Houston Astros: First Look

With Spring Training quickly approaching, and many baseball fans suffering from severe withdrawal, the time has come to evaluate the off-season happenings of your beloved Houston Astros. Prior to entering the 2010 season, Houston Astros owner, Drayton McLane, made it quite clear that the Astros were planning on trimming the fat and decreasing the payroll. Uncle Drayton also stated that the team was not for sale, but that’s a story for another day. McLane and General Manager, Ed Wade, did accomplish the feat of diminishing payroll, but at what expense?

The Astros offered arbitration to star reliever, Latroy Hawkins and stud closer, Jose Valverde, but both chose to take their services elsewhere, leaving Wade and his staff to find suitable, and affordable alternatives. Cue Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom. Lyon is a wily veteran with extensive experience coming out of the bullpen in both save situations and in short relief, while Lindstrom is a less viable commodity. He lost his closing job while with the Marlins last year and experienced an extended stay on the disabled list twice. Though healthy, Lindstrom’s health and durability raise concerns towards the back end of what was once a solid part of the bullpen. If Lindstrom falters, expect Lyon to pick up the closer’s role.

With the departure of Miguel Tejada, the Astros were left with a large void in both the lineup and in the field. Say what you will about the aging veteran, but Tejada performed well at shortstop the past few years, quieting many of his critics. The Astros have already named Tommy Manzella as the heir apparent up the middle. Manzella, a Tulane product, has always had above average defensive skills, but it took his bat a while to catch up in the minors. Last year Manzella may have found his stroke hitting to the tune of .289/9/56 while at Round Rock. He will have every chance to prove that he deserves the starting shortstop role during Spring Training.

The Astros were hoping that Tejada would resign and play third this year, but with the Astros unwillingness to pay what Tejada was seeking, Wade brought in veteran third baseman, Pedro Feliz. Feliz, batted .266/12/86 last season with the defending NL champion Phillies. With the signing of Feliz to play third and the re-signing of both Geoff Blum and Jeff Keppinger, there is little room left for third base prospect, Chris Johnson. Johnson created quite a stir last season in Spring Training and made a few in the organization take notice. Unfortunately Johnson injured his wrist and had to battle back through the minors before finally getting a late season call-up with the Big Team. Johnson was granted an invite to Spring Training, he will likely begin the season again back in Round Rock.

The Astros also added a solid lefty when they signed Phillies cast-off, Brett Myers. Myers owns a 73-63 record with a 4.40 ERA in seven seasons with the Phillies, and adds a veteran lefty presence to the rotation behind Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and newcomer, Bud Norris.

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Beyond these off season acquisitions the Astros were fairly quiet, and upon entering Spring Training, there are more question than answers.

Who is going to win the battle for the final spot in the rotation? With Brian Moehler, Yorman Bazardo, Wesley Wright and Filipe Paulino all fighting for that spot, it might be the one battle to keep your eye on. The Astros also had several free agent acquisitions that will also battle for that roster spot, Wilton Lopez, Jose Valdez and Gustavo Chacin. It will be interesting to see how this roster battle shapes up when Spring Training gets into full swing.
What about the catcher’s position? Jason Castro has proven that he can swing the bat and call a game and he will get a shot to prove he belongs on the major league roster as the everyday catcher. Do not count out JR Towles and Humberto Quintero, who will fight for that right as well. The Astros are not likely to carry three catchers during the season and if both perform well in spring, Castro may find himself in Round Rock catching every day until he’s ready for a full time gig.
Can the Astros Compete in the NL Central? Meh, that is still yet to be determined. The Astros have spent the off season re-stocking the farm system and adding depth to the minor league teams. That does not relate well to winning now. That being said, the Astros are in better shape than they were last year. Guys like Drew Locke, Jon Gaston and Koby Clemens need to prove that last year’s performances were no flukes. But don’t count on seeing any of these three on the major league roster this year either. Lance Berkman is not the hitter he once was, Carlos Lee is a liability defensively and Kaz Matsui doesn’t appear to be the full time answer at the keystone. The Astros were at the bottom of most offensive and pitching categories last season and it doesn’t appear that they are going to improve dramatically in either column. But, Hunter Pence and Michael Bourne are emerging stars and if they can build on last season they can stay competitive this year, but don’t expect any miracle finishes. I don’t see the Astros competing for the playoffs this season or next, but they are younger, and youthful exuberance on a baseball diamond is a heck of a lot of fun to watch.

By: Jordan Fleck
MLBcenter.com Houston Astros Correspondent

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