Wandy Rodriguez--Breakthrough?

Anyway the peripherals have been great and considering his age, these numbers could be legit and a sign of good things to come, but i still remain on the fence and would like to see more consistency and him go deeper into games because often he doesn't make it past the 5th or 6th.

Another key, imo is that he is also much more determined in key situations.  He used to be the master of the big inning, but this year, he tends to fight through those situations.  In short, he has emotionally matured.

I've been fascinated watching him lately, as he seems to either throw an excellent pitch, or he misses badly.  You can simply watch his follow through, on a fastball or curveball, and determine which variety it will be.

In sum, it's definitely a breakthrough of sorts as he was really bad, and I waiver on his future.  He still has the same limitations of a very flat and hittable fastball, and no change up to speak of.  Unless he develops an effective change, I see him peaking at a possible high 3 ERA, but more likely a mid 4 ERA, or regressing back towards 5.

I think his numbers are just a fluke.  He has no plus pitches and has had quite a few lucky outs that saved his era.  He is one that should implode any minute.  He is listed at 5' 10" I think but looks more like 5' 8" with little power.  He has never impressed me and I have seen him a lot.  His control has been solid this year but he has just dodged bullets.  His numbers are way better than what he will end up at.  I think it was St. Louis that demolished him last year with HR's in one game.  He is due for a very nasty run of starts because those weak pitches are going to move up and get drove out of the park eventually.  

On his best, his K's per inning go way down and his era gets closer to 5.00 by the end of the year.  I wish for better since I am a Stros fan but he is very hittable and really has AAA stuff at best.  Watch for his HR's given up to really rise.  I have never been a fan of his stuff and I watch his games and am amazed that he has not been eaten alive yet.  

Sampson is a much better pitcher.  He has the potential to be a number 3 but his age is very high and he surely is not a prospect.  I love the way he trusts his stuff and forces batters into groundballs.  He could have a solid future in the organization.  The Angels just lit him up but they can just plain hit and he had a rough game.

As for the Astros being unwatchable, lately they have been really putting some runs up and since Adam Everett broke his leg the lineup just seems to be clicking.  If Berkman does what he is capable of and the rest of the team stays hot they may be a team to keep an eye on the rest of the way.