The Astros still have a steep hill to climb, but they are
steadily working their way back to respectability, and
they look like an excellent value as a home underdog
today. Despite their bad start they are 23-12 at home
(+$725), and that includes wins in all five of Brandon
Backe's home starts (+$500, 3.12 ERA). The Rangers
have not fared well on the road this year , winning only
2 of Chris Young's 7 starts as a visitor (-$280). If the
Astros are going to come on strong in the second half,
as they did in 2004