Mike Hampton

The handshake deal.

The Houston Astros have always had a team that was based on strong pitching. From the 1980s with Mike Scott, J.R. Richard and Nolan Ryan to their most recent World Series run with Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte.

When the Astros have had success, you can bet they had one or more superb pitcher behind it. The Astros have used strong pitching to secure six division titles, two wild card berths and one National League pennant. I have compiled a list of who I think are the top 15 starting pitchers in the history of the Houston Astros.

MLB free agency is here, and every season, teams shell out millions upon millions of dollars in an attempt to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.

However, many times the players do not pan out, and from time to time, a signing goes so terribly wrong that years later, a simple mention of the players name will no doubt evoke groans from the team's fan base.