I get it

I may be the only one outside of Minute Maid Park to say this, but I get what the Astros are doing. Not only that, but I kind of like it.

I watched them take two out of three from the Reds this week, not totally surprising since Team Bipolar is so very capable of sweeping or getting swept by any ballclub on the planet, including my softball team. What was surprising is how much more the Astros resembled their teams from the mid-80's than they did the "glory years" of the Killer B's. This team is now full of quick young players, and though it sounds funny to say it, they may be faster after the trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. Jimmy Paredes at third base in particular impressed, but getting Carlos Lee out of the outfield and planting his generous derriere at first was a marked improvement in their team defense. Dropping last year's pick-ups, Chris Johnson and Brett Wallace, to Triple A and jumping guys two levels to The Show ... I can't think of a much better wake up call.

It's also a huge culture change. Instead of players who have become inured to losing, management is bringing a youth movement that can't lose. There should be no loss of confidence since the kids aren't supposed to succeed, anyway, just learn and get used to the game at the highest level. Then what do they do but take two of three from a contending team - even a marginally contending team like the Reds are at this point - and win in comeback fashion.

Paredes doesn't have a B, so to keep the Houston faithful happy he may need a "B" nickname, but newcomer Brian Bogusevic has one to spare, Jason Bourgeois is getting a chance to play everyday in the new look outfield, and Brett Wallace can be lumped in with them if he finds his form in time to take first base back next season.

What this team is lacking in power it makes up for in speed and defense, a formula that the Rays used to capture a pennant three years ago, one that the Pirates are using to play above expectations this year, and a mindset that has kept the Twins in contention for years - when they're healthy.

If some of the young pitching develops, the Astros will be a team to watch in two years.