| Scott Miller's Take |
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For so many years the Astros had solid hitters but not enough pitching. Then they got pitching but couldn't score if you put them in the middle of a hot nightclub on ladies' night. Now they've got an improved lineup with more speed and their rotation is the scariest thing in Houston since the Enron collapse. It's like kids attempting to balance the teeter-totter who can't figure out how to get the proper weight on each side. Video Outlook
Strengths
There's more speed here than in the past. New GM Ed Wade's moves to acquire leadoff man Michael Bourn and second baseman Kaz Matsui (who will hit second eventually) give new manager Cecil Cooper the chance to play aggressively. And Cooper intends to -- stolen bases, hit-and-runs, look for him to push things. Which should be fun to watch. Hunter Pence was terrific as a rookie last year, Lance Berkman should hit and Miguel Tejada will help but might be distracted by the Department of Justice investigation.
Weaknesses
After Roy Oswalt in the rotation, the Astros might take three weeks to get another out. They were hoping that Woody Williams would lend a solid, veteran presence, but he was clobbered this spring. Brandon Backe has hope, but the Astros were so out of sorts that they signed Shawn Chacon. Yikes.
Difference Maker
Wandy Rodriguez. As discussed above, the Astros are desperate for starting pitchers. And Rodriguez continues to be the club's biggest enigma. Oswalt and catcher Brad Ausmus each spoke very highly of him this spring. Each told me Rodriguez has staff ace stuff. It's time now, Wandy.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
J.R. Towles, C |
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Showed what he can do in 2007; likely a starter in 2008.
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| 2. |
Felipe Paulino, SP (R) |
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Failed in September call-up; could win spot this spring.
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| 3. |
Mitch Einertson, RP (R) |
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Comeback year for young prospect puts him back in club's favor.
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| 4. |
Brad James, SP (R) |
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Led Carolina League in ERA; possibly a midseason call-up.
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| 5. |
Chad Reineke, RH (R) |
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Doesn't have elite stuff; pitched mostly in relief last year.
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Complete NL Central Prospects |
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Woody Williams was put on unconditional release waivers after an 11.32 ERA in spring training. (AP)
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 73-89 (4th in NL Central)
Manager: Cecil Cooper, 2nd year (15-16)
Stadium: Minute Maid Park (40,950; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | M. Bourn, CF | The speedy youngster had 18 SB in 105 games last season with the Phils |
| 2. | K. Matsui, 2B | Starts on the DL so M. Loretta or G. Blum will hold the spot |
| 3. | L. Berkman, 1B | Team leader in in runs, RBI and HR last season but has potential to do more |
| 4. | C. Lee, LF | Five consecutive seasons of 30-plus HR and four out of five with 100-plus RBI |
| 5. | M. Tejada, SS | Looking to rebound after one of his worst season in Baltimore in '07 |
| 6. | H. Pence, RF | Should continue to boost the offense after posting a .322 AVG last season |
| 7. | T. Wigginton, 3B | In 2007 he played 80 games at 3B, 39 at 2B and 18 at 1B |
| 8. | J.R. Towles, C | Top prospect with only 40 at-bats in the majors and strong spring start |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
R. Oswalt (R) |
Not much is set after Oswalt who led the club in IP (212) and wins (14) |
| 2. |
B. Backe (R) |
Finally ready to go after two injury-filled seasons and 47 career starts |
| 3. |
W. Rodriguez (L) |
Has trouble with consistency on the road -- 2.94 home ERA vs. 6.37 away |
| 4. |
S. Chacon (R) |
Was a starter for the Pirates last season |
| 5. |
C. Sampson (R) |
With W. Williams gone, Sampson lands a rotation spot |
| Closer |
Comment |
| J. Valverde (R) |
Led the majors with 47 saves, in 54 opportunities, last season |
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