Wandy Rodriguez News

Bob Melvin and Manny Acta, two men who were fired as managers in the first half of last season, interviewed with the Astros on Friday for their full-time managerial position with hopes of leading the way in Houston next year.

Although his list of candidates is somewhat set, general manager Ed Wade will check with the Astros' leadership this week before he starts asking other clubs for permission to interview managerial candidates.

Oct. 2: Astros vs. Mets Wandy Rodriguez made his final start of the season looking for his 15th win and aiming to keep his ERA below 3.00. $relatedgallerytitle 0 New York Mets pitcher John Maine works in the fir Oct 2 2009 7:38PM Paul J. Bereswill / AP John Maine started for the Mets in the series opener.

Put this season in a bag and toss it far, far away. The Astros stunk up the place this year.

Fatigue ought not be a factor for David Wright Sunday afternoon when the Mets -- and, presumably, Wright -- play the final game of their 2009 season.

Originally published October 5, 2009 at 11:03 a.m., updated October 5, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. HOUSTON a ' The Houston Astros' offseason rebuilding effort begins with finding a new manager.

They are games without significant team consequence being played these days at Citi Field, games that can do nothing to change the team's standing -- the Mets have been locked into fourth place in the National League East for nearly two weeks now -- or its self-perception or public image.

Jeff Francoeur receives congratulations after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning.

Wandy Rodriguez pitched six solid innings, Humberto Quintero homered and the Houston Astros beat Cincinnati 3-2 on Sunday to snap the Reds' six-game winning streak.

The first few times Wandy Rodriguez tried to log on to the visitors' clubhouse's computer to secure tickets for his family to watch him face the Mets at Citi Field on Friday night, the Internet was down.

While it's been a disappointing season for the Reds, manager Dusty Baker has been using the final weeks of the season to take the measure of some of the organization's youngsters.

A blog with Astros watcher Chip Bailey September 28, 2009 Bold and risky: Trade Wandy for a haul? If the Astros want to make a big splash this off season and perhaps build a truly young rotation, trade Wandy Rodriguez.

Second-year right-hander Johnny Cueto tries for a first career win against Houston today when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Astros in the finale of a three-game weekend series at Minute Maid Park.

Cecil Cooper understands that his job status is included in Astros owner Drayton McLane's plan to evaluate the organization this offseason.

Cecil Cooper's gone, but the Astros' problems remain. Cooper wasn't the best manager.

Louis beat Houston a few hours after the Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper. DeRosa also had a two-run double for the Cardinals, who reduced their magic number for winning the NL Central to three.

Mark DeRosa homered twice as St Louis beat Houston 7-3, a few hours after the Astros fired manager Cecil Cooper.

Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez struggled as he gave up six runs and allowed nine hits in five innings of work.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse, who's struggled to recover from a forearm injury, gets three starts to dial everything in beginning Monday night in Houston.

No one is going to be fooled. No one can point to this won-loss record and believe the Astros are close to being a playoff team.