Happy friggin' birthday, Brett Myers

He was supposed to be the ace of the staff.

Yet today's birthday boy, Brett Myers, turns 31 and is still far from an ace. A fantastic 2010 season aside, the Astros saddled themselves with a pitcher who they inexplicably thought could lead a staff, despite the fact that he relies purely on breaking balls that don't break enough, and really has no fastball to speak of anymore. Maybe I shouldn't lambast him too much. According to Baseball Reference, he is simply an average pitcher, sporting an ERA+ of 99 (100 being the permanent league-average). And after all, it is his birthday.

I guess that's just what you have to expect from the Astros these days--average players asked to fill crucial roles.