2007 in the Astros

The off-season for the Houston Astros was somewhat surprising to some, and long-awaited for others. To me I think we could of done a little better. I mean with the money we spent on Carlos Lee, we could of had 2 or 3 other quality players to fill pitching holes.

Pick-ups the Astros should have made:

Jeff Suppan – Solid 4 or 5 guy in the rotation, Astros would rather have him than Fernando Nieve.
Gil Meche – He very well could of been the Astros number 2, big strikeout guy (156K in 186.2 Innings). But the Astros were never really in talks with him.
Joe Borowski – If Lidge had another drop off, he would of been a good fill in.

Pick-ups the Astros should still make:
Roger Clemens – His third comeback, should be with us.
Mark Mulder – One of the few middle of the line starters left.
Jeff Weaver – I can’t believe I said that.

But with Lee and Williams the Astros have a good chance at the playoffs.

Their projected line-up, according to me, is:
1.Chris Burke
2.Craig Biggio
3.Luke Scott
4.Lance Berkman
5.Carlos Lee
6.Morgan Ensberg
7.Adam Everett
8.Brad Ausmus
9.Pinch Hitter:Jason Lane
Offense Grade:85

But, because of Carlos Lee’s massive contract, the best pitcher the Astros picked-up (via free agency) was Woody Williams.

Pitching, according to me, is:
Starting Rotation
1.Roy Oswalt
2.Jason Jennings
3.Woody Williams
4.Wand Rodriguez
5.Fernando Nieve
Bullpen
LRP – Chris Sampson
LRP – Matt Albers
MRP – Chad Qualls
MRP – Dan Wheeler
LHS – Trever Miller
CL -  Brad  Lidge
Grade:75

LHS=Left handed specialist

Astros key off-season transactions:
Free Agent(s):
Carlos Lee – 6-year $100 million
Woody Williams – 2-year $12.5 million
Craig Biggio – 1-year $5.15 million
Trade(s):
Houston Astros acquired:Starting pitchers Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio
Colorado Rockies acquired:Starting pitchers Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh and OF Willy Taveras.

Overall team grade:72
Overall Off-Season Grade:80

My Prediction: 3rd place in the National League Central.

Mark Travis