Houston Astros Set to Fly the White Flag

Having taken sole possession of the National League Central cellar after losing 10-7 to the lowly Pirates, the Houston Lastros have made it clear the team is ready to run up the white flag.

Though a poll of fan sentiment is running at about 50-50 as to whether the team should continue to try for a playoff berth, manager Cecil Cooper made it clear in today's editions of the Houston Chronicle that no one should get hopes up. Be assured that --in light of Cooper's announcement -- struggling youngster Michael Bourn will soon return to the lineup with surrender terms.

Some fans had been hopeful that Houston still had some fight left when Bourn -- currently in 0-19 slump with a .218 average -- was benched in favor of veteran Darin Erstad, who is hitting better than .300 and playing All-Star caliber defense in center field.

Not to worry: Cooper told the Chronicle that Erstad soon will retake his seat in the dugout, as Bourn has merely been given a few games off to work in the batting cage to ready himself to once again stink up Minute Maid Park.

After all, the Lastros must have something to show for having acquired Bourn in the trade of closer Brad Lidge -- who is currently 2-0 with 19 saves and a 1.00 ERA with the first place Phillies.