Brandon Backe out until 2008 at the very least.

[DirtyKash]

He was never that good to begin with, so it's not that big of a loss.

Starter Brandon Backe will miss the rest of the season and likely most of next season because of Tommy John surgery to repair his throwing elbow. Backe likely will not be ready to pitch until the start of the 2008 season.

[rockin500]

still, its one more pitcher they need for their staff next year. he was a quality #4 guy but now they have oswalt and who else?

[AstrosAnonymous]

Are you kidding me, Backe was getting good last season, he has alot of talent that will take years to get back. This isnt good, we really needed him.

[redsrbetter]

Yep Backe will be soarely missed, he was pretty darn good last year and is just another case of the injury bug this season. How badly does this effect this team's playoff chances? I think it does greatly.