HUNTER, HOUSTON, ROCK ROOK

"Even the guys that were grounding out, the pitches were above the [waist], and I was getting lucky they weren't hitting it out. Instead of driving to the plate, I was opening up a little too early and leaving the ball up."
(Collin Balester, via Washington Times, 7/13/2008)

Astros 6, Nationals 4: Balester bad (4.2 IP, 11H, 6 R (4ER) Defense, too!

Meanwhile...

• Stan Kasten supports the investigation into scouting practices, but didn't exactly come out and support his two guys in the middle of it.
• Rauch to Rays, Red Sox, or Diamondbacks (via MLB Trade Rumors dot com)?
• Zim's on a fast track to returning. Not sure that's a good thing.

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)