Season 10: Houston Astros

After losing the tie breaker for the last Wild Card spot last season the Astros are coming off of their most disappointing season. Management has raised the club's payroll to 98 million from 78 million a year ago showing that they are ready to make a run. The club has completely remodeled their bullpen and bench, they have also added 3 new starters to the lineup and one new starter to the rotation. The Astros chances this season ride on the production of the 3 new comers to the lineup, if they can produce expect the Astros to have the honor of losing the tie breaker again.

Lineup

C: Juan Santiago – Known for a steady bat, Juan will again be the staring Catcher. Although Juan hits for a high average he has never been overly productive, expect management to move him around in an attempt to find his place in the lineup.

1B: Heinie Watkins – After demanding the trade of Rocky Spencer, Heinie is now able to play his natural position. After watching Rocky carry the Reds to their first title the pressure is on Heinie to once again compete for the league MVP.

2B: Pascual Dotel – One of two rookies in the lineup, Pascual hit .321 in 84 Abs last season. The biggest concern with this player is his ability to play 2B.

3B: Russell Relaford – Aquired from Good Will, Russel is returning home. Russel was the current GM’s first ever draft pick and was originally traded for teammate Everett Hill. Russel is expected to produce offensively, but his ability to play 3B is a huge question mark.

SS: Yamid Moraga – Yamid earns his pay with his glove. Yamid has some pop in his bat but is still below average at the plate.

RF: Sid Bryant – The face of the franchise, Sid is now 27 and entering his prime. Sid earned a spot on the All Star team and won the NL Silver Slugger Award in season 9. Coming off of a 30HR/30SB season, the Astros are hoping that Sid can improve on his SB numbers.

CF: Rafael Almanzar - The team expects 40+ Hr and 125+ SO again this season.

LF: Everett Hill - The Astros' revamped lineup depends on Hill. Hill is expected to fill the void left by Rocky Spencer which is a lot to ask of any rookie.

Bench

Erubiel Johnson - Brought in to catch for Jared Herrera. Johnson's role beyond Herrera's ball boy is still a question mark.

Gregory McMillan - Exect McMillian to see some relief time at 1B and C this season.

Alton Turner - A strictly defensive backup SS.

Santos Bolivar - Coming off of a season filled with injuries Santos will see a lot of playing time in the OF thise season. If Pascual Dotel struggles expect to see Santos starting.

Virgil Camacho - A great Utility guy that brings a good glove and a soft bat.

Pitching

SP1: Dan Hitchcock - Returning as the ace of a deep staff its time that everyone's favorite Hitchcock learns how to win. After going 14 and 13 the Astros hope Hitchcock can put together the club's first 20 win season.

SP2: Mel Wagner - Aquired as a part of the Rocky trade last season, Mel proved to be a reliable starter in his time with the Astros. The World's all time SO leader many don't expect Mel to win 15 games this season.

SP3: Willie Espinosa - Another quality starter still trying to learn how to win. This fireballer hopes to improve on his 10 and 10 record last season.

SP4: Jared Herrera - After bringing in Jared's ball boy the Astros expect him to return to his Season 8 form.

SP5: Dick Reed - By signing veteran Dick Reed the Astros accompished two things. They were able to snag a SP from a division rival with a one year deal, and they were able to honor the memory of George Carlin by becoming the first baseball team ever to have a Dick, a Hitchcock, and a Heinie. Dick hopes to challenge Benji Campos for the title of best #5 SP in the World this season.

LRA: Eric Dawkins - Perhaps the Astros best starter last season Eric is assigned to the pen in a desperate attmept to improve last season's biggest weakness. Eric should still get his fair share of starts this season.

SetUpA: Mickey Frazier - The first of the Astros army of setup me, Frazier is expected to improve this season.

SetUpA: Danny Hennessey - Aquired along with Russell Relaford in an offseason trade, Danny has been stellar the last two seasons with Texas. If he is half as good with the Astros he will be a huge boost for them.

Setup B: Raymond Marte - Aquired in the Astros latest trade, Raymond is expected to provide veteran leadership for the young guys in the bullpen.

Setup:B Freddy Tanaka - Tanaka struggled in his rookie campaign, the Astros hope this young arm continues to improve.

Closer: Vinny Post - Like Lil Wayne, Vinny Post is the Fireman. Coming off of his best season in the Majors the Astros signed Vinny to a big money deal but will still have no problem pulling him as Closer in favor of Danny Hennessey .

Mopup: Jorge Navarro - The second of the Astros' two spite signings this offseason, Jorge accepted a one year 8 million dollar deal just like his Jacksonville teammate Dick Reed . The Astros don't expect Jorge to play at all this season if everything goes well.


Season Outlook: Expect Everett Hill to flop, hitting .230 with 40 HR 90 RBI and 200 SO. The Astros are still clearly the 3rd best team in the NL South, so expect 90-95 wins and another season of having the best record to not make the playoffs.