Houston Astros

One of my first articles that was featured on MLBTradeRumors.com was my “Astros Fooled By Pudge” post. Here is what is I wrote back last March in regards to the Houston Astros signing Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.

For the Houston Astros, 2010 offers a clean slate and a chance at making a run towards the post season; something they haven’t done in quite some time. But in order to make that run, there are several things the team must take into consideration and face.

For the past four years, the Astros have been flip flopping back and forth; struggling to maintain consecutive winning seasons, leaving fans to question and criticize more than they cheer and praise.

But despite the team being old and sometimes poorly managed—I’m talking to you Mr.

The next five weeks will go a long way in determining if J.R. Towles will begin to hit or go down like Robbie Wine in the history of once-promising Houston Astros catching prospects who end up more slag than successful.

Towles enters the spring entrenched in a duel with fellow good field-no hit backstop Humberto Quintero for the right to keep the starting seat warm long enough for top farmhand Jason Castro to hone his skills before wresting the position.

For Towles, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Would Lance Berkman seriously retire after the 2010 season?

Wandy Rodriguez, no doubt, is in Houston Astros spring training with something to prove.

The 31-year-old, 5'11" left-hander recently lost his arbitration battle with the Astros, receiving $5 million in 2010 when he was asking $7 million.

According to the above linked article, Rodriguez is content about what happened in arbitration and is "...here to work hard and have another good year."

February is almost coming to a close, which means America’s Pastime is beginning to dawn on the hearts and minds of fans, players and coaches alike.

For the Houston Astros, they enter 2010 Spring Training with many questions and a new-look squad; along with a new skipper by the name of Brad Mills.

I can admit when I under evaluate a player, which I did do with Michael Bourn. Last season was the first time he played regularly, so I projected him out to too few at bats, which played a huge role in his projected value. However, even when I upgrade him, I just don’t see him as a Top 80 player overall, where he has routinely been drafted this year.

Look at his numbers from last season:

Remember how there was a possibility that Houston could make a major trade or signing to boost their starting rotation come Opening Day?

Well, that option appears to have occurred late Friday when the Astros signed free-agent right-hander Brett Myers to a one-year deal.

Myers, who made $12.1 million last season with Philadelphia, went 4-3 in 2009 with a 4.84 ERA (over a span of 18 games and 10 starts).

According to Houston beat writer Brian McTaggart, sources told MLB.com the Myers one-year deal is worth $5 million with an option for 2011.

Now this is what I'm talking about!

As reported on the Houston Astros' website, Brett Myers has signed a one year contract worth around five million dollars. This signing not only brings another veteran presence with playoff experience to the ball-club, it also relieves the pressure on the younger starters, such as Yorman Bazardo and Felipe Paulino that were expected to step up into the rotation. 

From this point, and looking at past performances, I believe that the starting rotation will look something like this when the Astros begin the season:

Roy Oswalt