If the Astros can beat the Reds tonight, I would feel really good. Getting to only 4 games back of the wild card by the end of tonight would be huge for us, especially with the non-waiver trading deadline only 4 days away.

A win over the Reds tonight and a series-win over the Diamondbacks during the weekend would likely get the Astros to 2 or 3 games back of the wild card heading into the trading deadline. That would signal to the rest of Major League Baseball that the Houston Astros are a contender and will be among the buyers in the trading market.

Tim Purpura might pull the trigger on a huge trade in order to strengthen the team, and put to rest any doubts people might have otherwise had about the Astros lack of hitting. All I can say is get ready for another exciting August, September, and October.