2009 Houston Astros Predictions
Written by Jason Lowry
The Houston Astros haven’t been to the postseason since going to the World Series back in 2005 and haven’t won the NL Central since 2001. The Astros struggled to start the 2008 season, but really started clicking at the end of the year finishing up 86-75, and if it wasn’t for Carlos Lee going down with an injury and having to play the Cubs in Milwaukee thanks to Hurricane Ike, the Astros might have been able to sneak by the Brewers for the wild card spot. The team seems to be in quite a bind financially, and the offseason proves just that, as the Astros were unable to resign guys like 3B Ty Wiggington and SP Randy Wolf. The biggest addition comes in the return of SP Mike Hampton, who will look to once again dominate with the Astros where he went 70-43 early in his career, including a 22-4 performance back in 1999. To see just what the Houston Astros will look like in 2009, here is a run down of what the team will look like on the offensive and pitching side of things.
Offense:
The offense struggled to score runs in 2008, as they were 11th in the NL in runs scored. But this team does have some hitters. With Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee in the middle of their lineup, this team has talent to be a much better offense in 2009. It starts with guys like Kazuo Matsui and Michael Bourn being the table setters at the top of the lineup, and then they need Hunter Pence to come back with an even stronger season after hitting 25 HR with 83 RBI, but only a .269 average at the plate. Miguel Tejada really struggled after the all star break last season hitting just 3 home runs, and they need him to play like a guy that makes $15 million a year. There is no set starter at 3B, but it looks as though Geoff Blum will get first crack to start the season. The big hole in this lineup comes at the catcher spot, as JR Towels and Humberto Quintero both had pretty bad seasons at the plate in 2008. A lot of guys have to have great seasons for this offense to really click, but if Berkman can hit like he did to start the 2008 season all year long, this offense will be in the thick of things for at least the wild card.
Pitching:
This might not look like a strength to start the season, but if ace Roy Oswalt can pitch like he did to finish up the regular season last year, where he went 10-2 with a 2.24 ERA in his final 13 starts, and Hampton is as advertised, the starting rotation could be just good enough to win enough games to reach the postseason in 2009. They are hoping to get 30+ starts from Hampton, but whether or not he can still win games is yet to be determined. In the 3rd spot is promising lefty Wandy Rodriguez, who the Astros are hoping will finally have that breakout season. Finishing up the starting rotation is Biran Moehler and Brandon Backe, and while these two might not win a bunch of games, they eat up a ton of innings, which keeps the bullpen rested and ready when needed. The closing role will be in the hands of star closer Jose Valverde who had 44 saves in 51 chances last season, good enough for the NL lead in saves.
Prediction: 3rd in NL Central
The Astros could be the surprise of this division, as they just might have the pieces to compete with the Cardinals and Brewers for 2nd in the Central. While we don’t think they will wind up in the No. 2 spot in the division, we do think they have what it takes to finish 3rd if the pieces fall into place.
Archived Season Previews:
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