Ike Wreaks Havoc With Baseball Playoff Races, Scheduling

The NFL isn’t the only league effected by that bastard Ike as the Astros and Major League Baseball have agreed to move two of Houston’s canceled home games that were scheduled against the Cubs this weekend to a “neutral” site in Milwaukee. Eddie Wade’s Astros have been on fire over the past three weeks but this turn of events may finally cool them off. Not only does Houston have to deal with a major catastrophe but to pile it on a bit more they have to play as the “home” team less than a 90 minute drive from Chicago. Baseball obviously takes a distant second to more serious issues but in terms of making the Astros road to the playoffs much more challenging, this change of events could really hurt their chances. While the Cubs had a typical three game weekend series scheduled in Houston, they will play one of those games on Sunday evening and another on Monday afternoon. The third game will be played, if needed to determine a playoff spot, on September 29th. One interesting fact about the games being moved to Miller Park in Milwaukee is that the upper deck and bleachers sections will be closed to fans. The only effect that will have on the game is to mimic the vibe of some place a little more sunny, like say Tampa Bay. Are the Brewers the New Mets? Milwaukee, who looked to be cruising into the post season just a few short weeks ago, has dropped 9 of 12 including yesterday’s loss at the hands of the Phillies ace Cole Hamels. The Phillies got things going early on Saturday and scored 5 runs in the first two innings following the lead off hits by Jimmy Rollins in both frames. Ryan Howard says what all of Philadelphia knows, "Jimmy's the catalyst. When he goes, we go.” Inclement weather has also set up the Phillies and Brewers to play two games today at Citizens Bank Park with the Brewers sitting two ahead in the NL wild card hunt. Two Phillies wins today would put the Fightins in a tie with the floundering Brew Crew. If J-Roll can find a groove over the next two weeks, the Phillies are in the playoffs. I’ve Got a Splitting Head Ache This Morning There were all sorts of double headers yesterday with Boston-Toronto splitting a pair as well as the Yankess-Rays and the Mets-Braves. The second Mets loss was particularly enjoyable because it came in a game started by Johan Santana. New York’s bullpen must hate that guy and we love them for it. Surging Twins While the White Sox sat idle due to the weather, Minnesota went out and took two from the O’s to move into a tie with Chicago atop the Central. Baltimore, who has lost 17 of 20, was hoping the rest of their season could get rained out. Fading Diamonds Arizona lost in extra innings last night after the Reds managed to come from behind earlier in the game. To rub a little more salt in the wound, it was former Diamondback Micah Owings, the “player to be named later” in the Adam Dunn deal, who drove in the winning run for Cincinnati.