2008 Houston Astros Overview

The Houston Astros lost their way in 2007. The team finished the season with an appalling 73-89 record. As a result of their poor performance, the general manager position was opened. Under the direction of new general manager, Ed Wade, the Astros underwent a major makeover during the off-season. Potentially, six of the eight projected opening day position players were not with the Astros in the 2007 season. Gone are Bagwell and Biggio who are now working upstairs with Wade.

The face of the Astros going forward is second year player, Hunter Pence. Pence finished his breakout season with a .322 batting average and 17 homeruns in only 108 games. He was making a solid run at Rookie of the Year honors until he went down with an injury. To help build the offense around their breakout player, the Astros picked up shortstop Miguel Tejada, second baseman Kaz Matsui, and third baseman Ty Wigginton.

Rather than relying upon their power, the Astros have installed speed at the top of the order, with Matsui and center fielder Michael Bourn. If these two players can maintain a decent on base average, look for the 3 through 5 spots to have solid chances to drive in runs. New manager, Cecil Cooper has wasted little placing his imprint on the team with the hi-and-run aggressive approach. All eyes will be on rookie catcher J.R. Towles. Though he only played in 14 games last year, Towles made a name for himself when he set a franchise record with 8 RBI last September.

Roy Oswalt will be the opening day starter for the Astros as he looks to continue on the success he had last year when he finished with a 14-7 record to go along with a 3.18 ERA. With a revamped offense behind him, Oswalt should return to the numbers he posted in 2005 when he won 19 games. The rest of the pitching staff is made of starters who did not win more than 9 games. With Woody Williams turning 42 years old and Brandon Backe returning from elbow surgery, the Astros are in need of another pitcher to step up if they are to be successful. Management has placed their hopes with Wandy Rodriquez who finished 2007 with a 9-13 record and a 4.58 ERA. The Astros would be pleased if Rodriguez started to mimic his home performance when the team is on the road. Last year, he compiled a 6-2 record at home with an outstanding 2.94 ERA. To close out the games, the Astros brought in Jose Valverde, who had 47 saves last year for the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks. The Astros should expect the same production out of Valverde this year as he has turned into a top tier reliever in the league.

The Astros are in a competitive division though more than half of the teams finished below .500 in 2007. Though the physical changes were made, let us see if the team can change mentally in 2008. If the Astros hope to reach the playoffs they will need to maintain a solid offensive output to go along with the pitching. If they are not able to capture the division title, they will be home when the post season starts.