The Astros played possibly their best series of the season against the Phillies this week when they swept the defending National League champions in four games. The Phillies have arguably the best lineup in the league, sporting names like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. While they have struggled some this season, holding that group to seven runs over a four-game series is impressive and shows just how good the Astros pitching staff can be.

Brett Myers is looking more and more like the best free agent signing from the last offseason, even for a club that doesn't look to finish above .500. Myers is the new ace of the staff with a great supporting cast. Bud Norris is gaining consistency every time out along with J.A. Happ.

I am hoping that Jordan Lyles is a September call-up and maybe he will even get a few starts at the big league level. If the team doesn't want to take anyone out of the rotation, they can use six starters for the rest of the season. Not only will it give someone an opportunity to show off, it will take some stress off of the arms that have been pitching all season and allow them some extra time to recover.

Now, back to the series with the Phillies. Michael Bourn came alive against his former club, even knocking a home run off Roy Halladay in a 3-2 win. Not only did he terrorize his previous employer, so did Myers, Happ and Jason Michaels. I would imagine Ed Wade took a little extra enjoyment in that sweep than he normally might. Wade is quickly proving that he can build a club. This time, it looks like he might be able to stick around and actually get to see his finished product and reap the rewards.

Tuesday night's 16-inning marathon was one of the best baseball games of the season. Between Rollins’ two-out game-tying homer in the ninth and Roy Owsalt's ground out in the 16th, there was plenty of drama and unlikely heroes. Who knew Fernando Abad could make Howard look so bad? And who knew that Mark Melancon could pitch three innings of shutout ball? And who knew Oswalt could play left field? It was as good a game as you will watch over the course of the season. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a battle between two contenders. In two years, if these two play that same kind of game in August, it will be even more fun because of the playoff implications.

If there was ever a reason to be excited about a middle of the pack club, the Astros have showed it. Brett Wallace is still under the Mendoza line but he hit a ball Thursday that knocked Jason Werth off his feet in left field. His response? A sly smile that said "I can hit a ball really hard." This kid is going to be a star for the Astros and once he hits his first dinger, they aren't going to stop flying out of the yard.

Tommy Manzella is making his case to stay in the lineup with a couple of multi-hit games over the weekend. His glovework in the 16-inning game saved the Astros a couple of hits which likely saved the game. If he can be a .250 hitter with a glove like that, the Astros can afford to keep him in the order. I still am not sold on him but, ultimately, time will tell.

The only thing the Astros have left to fight for is a possible .500 finish (they are 59-71 through Sunday) and third place in the division. The other races in baseball are tight except for the AL West where Texas has a comfortable lead. This year's postseason is likely to see some new faces.

Injuries and Roster Moves: Brian Moehler opted for surgery and is now out for the season. Matt Lindstrom had a setback in his rehab, which will now be pushed back. Jeff Keppinger is currently on a rehab assignment and should rejoin the team early this week. Geoff Blum was out briefly with neck pain but started Sunday.

Star of the Week: Carlos Lee had a big series in Philly and it continued through the weekend to give him this week’s honors. El Caballo was 9-for-28 for a .321 average. He hit three home runs and drove in nine while scoring four times.

On Deck: The Astros return home for a short three-game homestand with the rival Cardinals beginning Monday. They will take Thursday off before leaving for the desert for a weekend series with the Diamondbacks.

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