Astros: Mike Lamb often overlooked despite key contributions

Mike Lamb is an often overlooked, but key piece to the mid-2000s Houston Astros.

When I’m waxing nostalgic and remembering those epic playoff runs by the Houston Astros in the mid-2000s, there are several key players who come to mind. Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltran, Craig Biggio, Roger Clemens…and the list goes on. But one name who should be right there with them, but often isn’t, is Mike Lamb.

Lamb was with the Astros from 2004 to 2007, serving as a part-time third baseman and first baseman and also a pinch-hitter extraordinaire. He got a good amount of playing time in those four years, but was never quite an everyday player, getting a career-best 422 plate appearances…