The Houston Astros were decimated by injuries .
The Houston Astros were still holding on to a slim 1.5 game lead in the National League Central division when they acquired Javier from the Giants for pitching prospect Joe Messman just before the waiver deadline of August 31 , 1999 .
The Houston Astros were decimated by injuries , but still holding on to a slim 1.5 game lead in the National League Central division when they acquired Javier from the Giants for pitching prospect Joe Messman just before the waiver deadline of August 31 , 1999 .