By Erie's Scribe on Feb 07, 2008 with Comments 1
The next stop on my quest to get to know the NL is in Houston, Texas. The Diamondbacks only left me with questions, I hope I can learn more about the Stros. What’s your deal Astros?
Last year the Stros went 73-89, good enough for fourth in the weak NL Central. Their 2007 offense can best be described as paltry. This has been a problem with the Astros for far too long. Carlos Lee had a helluva a year, and Lance Berkman wasn’t too shabby either (although not up to his lofty standards). Other than that there wasn’t much in the ways of consistent productivity for the Astros offense. Rookie centerfielder Hunter Pence provided some hope with solid hitting, and he’ll have to build upon his impressive rookie numbers if the Stros are going to break out of the run scoring doldrums this year.
What did the Astros do to turn around their offense? They traded for Miguel Tejada. Miggy!!! I love Miggy, but at 31? After his worst statistical season since 1998? Miggy is not worth 5 prospects at this point in his career. No sir. They also signed recently Coors Field revived Kaz Matsui. Who knows with that guy? I bought into the hype his before his rookie year, and Kaz did nothing but disappoint myself and Mets fans. I guess he could produce in Houston? The Stros also signed Darin Erstad, who has been done in by injuries the past two years. Needless to say, they’re putting a lot on Miggy’s shoulders.
The Astros rotation features Roy Oswalt at the top. Oswalt is an ace, one of the best. After Oswalt it gets murky. I’m not sure how the rotation will shake out, but I think it will involve Woody Williams, Wandy Rodriguez, Brandon Backe and Felipe Paulino. Woody Williams! I love Woody Williams, but not as my number 2 starter. I’d imagine there will be a host of others in the mix for spots in the Astros rotation. Jason Jennings? This usually isn’t a good sign unless there’s some lights out prospect on the way.
The Stros bullpen got a complete makeover in the offseason. Gone are Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, and others, in are Jose Valverde and some new middle relief faces. Figuring out how middle relief will perform is a crap shoot. Valverde had a great year last year, but will he be able to repeat that success?
It looks like this is the Astros deal: They could theoretically improve on offense with the additions of Miggy and Kaz, and the continued improvement of Hunter Pence. They have a mess behind Oswalt in their starting rotation. Their bullpen might suck or it might be pretty good. If I were an Astros fan, I’d thank God that they play in the NL Central right now. My buddy Dimsdale even tells me that they’re not too fond of manager Cecil Cooper in Houston. He says that they think Selig forced the hire there. Good news, though, the management is reaching out to the Rocket Man!
Filed Under: Uncategorized
Tags: Houston Astros • Jose Valverde • Kaz Matsui • Miguel Tejada
The next stop on my quest to get to know the NL is in Houston, Texas. The Diamondbacks only left me with questions, I hope I can learn more about the Stros. What’s your deal Astros?
Affirmative action at its worst Erie’s Scribe!