Runner-up Astros reflect on loss

Houston didn't win a game, but lost by a combined six runs.
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros are still the team that has been in one city the longest without winning a World Series game.
Now, they are also the only team to be swept in their first World Series appearance.
Those distinctions aside, at least the Astros finally got to play in the Fall Classic after waiting 44 seasons.
"It was a little different for me here, because this just seemed like such a huge mountain to climb to be able to get to the World Series with the team that we have," said pitcher Andy Pettitte, who joined his hometown team two years ago after playing in six World Series for the New York Yankees. "I'm proud of the guys."
Manager Phil Garner's mix of proven veterans and young players were left with the nifty consolation prize of being NL champions after being swept by the Chicago White Sox. Despite the quick finish, the series wasn't that lopsided. Chicago won by a combined six runs, capping it with a 1-0 victory Wednesday night.
Looking ahead
"We didn't quite finish it off," said closer Brad Lidge, who lost two World Series games. "I hope and cross my fingers that we can come back. We know this team can win the World Series."
That may depend on how drastically the roster changes.
The Astros have only five players signed for 2006, but they'll cost about $65 million. That doesn't include Roger Clemens, who could get a raise from the $18 million he made this season if he decides to return.
Those under contract are the heart of the team: Pettitte, Roy Oswalt, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman.
The team will discuss the Rocket's return as soon as he's ready to think about it. At 43, he led the majors with a career-best 1.87 ERA but was limited to two innings in Game 1 of the World Series because of a strained left hamstring. He also had groin and back problems.
"But it's not the arm. He's not having any problem with his arm," general manager Tim Purpura said. "I really want to hear what he has to say about how he feels, and does he want to crank it up one more year."
On the bubble
Lidge and cleanup hitter Morgan Ensberg, two players Bagwell considers the team's future leaders, are eligible for salary arbitration. Catcher Brad Ausmus and reserve Orlando Palmeiro are among potential free agents.
The Astros also will be tracking the rehabilitation of Bagwell, who missed 115 games because of shoulder surgery. After returning Sept. 9, he could only hit because he's not ready to throw.
"I wish I could've done a little bit more," said Bagwell, who planned to start rehabilitation today.
With a few breaks or clutch hits against the White Sox, Houston might still be playing -- or maybe even be the team celebrating a four-game championship sweep.
Instead, the Astros were miserable hitting with runners in scoring position (10-for-48).
"It was our desire to get to the World Series, and we did that. But we wanted to win," owner Drayton McLane said after thanking and consoling players in the clubhouse Wednesday night. "Our mission is to win the World Series, and we'll get to work on that in the morning."
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