Another ex-Phillie joins the Astros: Brett Myers

Former Phillie and current Astros GM Ed Wade sure loves former Phillies players. Entering this offseason, Wade already had Michael Bourn and Jason Michaels on the roster of and he had since added Pedro Feliz. So, when the Phillies decided to part ways with Brett Myers, it became clear that Houston would be his next logical destination.

Pending a physical, the Astros have agreed to sign Brett Myers to a one year, 5 million dollar contract. Houston will likely give Myers a chance to earn a spot in the starting rotation but could also use his help in the bullpen should he falter. Myers is only 29, so he should have some solid seasons ahead of him, but I don't think anyone will miss him too much here in Philadelphia.

Like Scott Eyre yesterday, Myers deserves thanks for all he did in '08. He was with the organization since 1999 so he was here for the good and the bad and always gave everything he could on the field. While we could have done without some of his off the field stupidity, Myers should get a nice round of applause if/when he pitches for the Astros in Philadelphia this season.

Phillies offense explodes for 15 runs

(AP Photo/Bob Levey)

Cole Hamels didn't have his best stuff but the offense did more than enough to carry the day for the Phillies in their 15-6 win over the Astros on Sunday. Hamels only lasted 4 innings and gave up 6 runs, including a 3-run shot by Carlos Lee moments after he hit Umpire Jerry Crawford in the head with his bat:

Crawford was taken to the hospital for tests but proved to be fine. Hamels gave up the homer to Lee two pitches after the game was delayed for almost 15 minutes due to the injury.

Fortunately, the Phillies offense, which has been stifled the last two days by the Astros, exploded in the 6th and 7th innings. In the 6th, the Phils batted around and picked up 5 runs and in the 7th the Phils added 6 more runs, punctuated by Chase Utley's 15th homer of the season:

Utley finished the night with 3 RBIs as did Shane Victorino. Pat Burrell and Geoff Jenkins also hit homers on a day where nearly everyone got in on the action. In fact, every Phillie starter got a hit on the night except for Ryan Howard who went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

It's nice to see the Phils offense pick up the slack when their ace is unable to give his usual dominating performance. The Phillies finish up their road trip with a respectable 4-3 record and will now come home to face the Colorado Rockies to start a 10-game homestand that also includes 3 games against the Marlins and 4 against the Reds. It will be the first time the Phils face the first place Marlins this season so it will be a good chance to gain some ground on the pesky Fish.