If the Astros make the playoffs, they're capable of almost anything. They will have been playing critical games for more than a month, which should help them prepare for the pressure of the playoffs.

If they can get there, if they're in position to hand the ball to Oswalt in an opening game, how would you like their chances then?

He's one of the best September-October pitchers of all time and never has been better than right now.

There was a point this season when Cooper, the manager, seemed to have lost the respect of more than half of his clubhouse. He held a clubhouse meeting in which some players believe he was caught in a lie. Things like that can kill a manager with a veteran team. Besides that, he was jumpy, emotional and seemingly ill-prepared.

He did what many smart people do when faced with a new challenge. He learned from his mistakes and got better.

He has managed just 178 games. Those of us who expected him to be Bobby Cox on day one were being unrealistic. He carries himself with a confidence that might rub off on his players. If the Astros end up making the playoffs, he will deserve tons of credit.

There were times in 2004 and 2005 when the Astros captured this city's hearts and minds. Fans counted down the hours until first pitch and came to expect remarkable things.

Now, with the city recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ike, the Astros are close to doing it again. No matter how this thing ends, they've given their fans another great, unexpected, ride. Here's to more fun in October.

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Tony Gutierrez / AP

More heroics from Hamilton

Josh Hamilton fights off illness to hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels win as Pujols HR streak up to 3 games

SEATTLE (AP) - Albert Pujols hit a home run in his third straight game and pinch hitter Alberto Callaspo came through with a grand slam in the sixth inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.

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