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mrschroeder08 partyvancaptain pee_callus25 Tags 2010 Preview 5 Million Dollar Black Hole AAAA Aaron Heilman Aaron Miles Alfonso Soriano Andres Blanco Angel Guzman Aramis Ramirez Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves B.J. 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Yep, its the: Houston Astros 2009 Record: 74-88 (5th, NL Central) Key Additions: Pedro Feliz (3B), Brandon Lyon (RP), Brett Myers (SP), Matt Lindstrom (RP), Jason Bourgeois (OF), Corey Sullivan (OF), Kevin Cash (C) Key Losses: Miguel Tejada (SS), Jose Valverde (RP), Mike Hampton (SP), LaTroy Hawkins (RP), Darin Erstad (OF), Doug Brocail (RP), Aaron Boone (3B), Chris Coste (C/1B) Summary: I remember when I started following the Cubs, the Astros were the biggest hurdle to overcome. I started watching in 1996, and it was not until 2003 when the Cubs would finally finish ahead of Hoston. Houston would come back and make the playoffs twice more, including the World Series appearance in 2005. And since then it has been a long decline for Houston, who finished 5th last year. Really the big blow last year was the injury to Roy Oswalt, who has been the ace in Houston for a very long time. The rotation outside Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez is pretty thin. It has been that way for a while, especially since the departures of Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Rodriguez, who is now 31, is not young but has improved every year. Potentially behind him are veterans Brett Myers and Brian Moehler, and youngsters Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino. This is by no means the greatest rotation, especially if Oswalt has health issues again. They really could use a good performance from their rotation though, as their lineup may not do the job. Hunter Pence may have shown what he will be in 2009 after an outstanding 2007 and a sub-par 2008. He has 25 home run power with a decent on base rate. It seems like this team lacks quite a bit though, as outside Pence, Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, there really is not much that impresses me. Pedro Feliz has a career OBP under .300 and average power at best for a third baseman. Tommy Mazella, the probably shortstop, is a definite downgrade from an already declining Miguel Tejada. Michael Bourn can definitely run, and at least gets on base at an OK rate, but that is based off one year. Will he be able to keep doing that? Kaz Matsui also brings speed, but does not get on base enough to use it. He is a Juan Pierre with a bit of power. Honestly, this lineup, especially the infield (excluding Berkman), is really not impressive. Cubs Connection: There really is not much I could find here. Though did you know new Astros manager Brad Mills played in the Cubs farm system? AAA to be exact. So good for him. BIBGLBOOPSARG(tm) CF Michael Bourn 2B Kaz Matsui 1B Lance Berkman LF Carlos Lee RF Hunter Pence 3B Pedro Feliz C J.R. Towles SS Tommy Manzella P Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers, Bud Norris, Brian Moehler Closer: Brandon Lyon Predicted Finish: Fifth place in the NL Central. I am trying to decide between that and sixth place, as I think it will be a battle in the cellar between Houston and Pittsburgh. I'll give Berkman, Lee and Oswalt the benefit of the doubt for now. I am really not liking the lineup or this rotation. Maybe Brad Mills can squeeze something out of this, but I would not bank on it. Posted in: 2010 Preview, Houston Astros | ||