29. Houston Astros
by Hayden Hughes
On the surface, one would be wondering what would possess an individual to commit to season tickets to the Houston Professional Baseball Team. Then, that individual could see their rotation and question whether the Houston Professional Baseball Team was indeed a professional baseball team in Houston. I’m sure it’s difficult to win 50 games in the Major Leagues, but I’m sure it’s hard to also win only 51 games out of 162. But one thing that Astros fans could tell you is their ballclub has a plan. It’s not tanking – it’s rebuilding. And they seem to be close to being legit… “close” being used relatively, of course.
The team has a solid, small-statured cornerstone in second baseman Jose Altuve, and with the addition of centerfielder Dexter Fowler, the ‘Stros should be in line for perhaps the best win-loss record swing with…60? Maybe 65? But hey, progress is progress. Let me reiterate a key move in their offseason – the Rockies gave Houston a starting centerfielder. They traded starter Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes to Colorado for Fowler. No, Fowler won’t win MVP or lead the AL in…anything. But this team got instantly better with that transaction. Perhaps the steal of the offseason. Signings to solidify the bullpen will keep the Houston Professional Baseball Team from losing games late, and with veteran starter Scott Feldman potentially teaching other starters a thing or two, maybe their 5th place standing won’t look as rough. It’s a shame this team plays in a division with Texas, Oakland, Anaheim, and Seattle. They seem to be the punching bag. But this year perhaps they’ll have a…puncher’s chance. Sorry…awful pun.
But for real, doesn’t it seem like a lifetime ago when the Houston Astros were losing the World Series?
1. Last Season & Offseason
a. 51-111
b. Signed Jesse Crain, Scott Feldman, Chad Qualls, Matt Albers
c. Acquired Dexter Fowler for Jordan Lyles (SP/RP) and Brandon Barnes (OF)
d. Traded PTBNL for Anthony Bass with SD
i. Stock piling relief arms for Midseason deals
2. Projected Lineups
Lineup:
1. Dexter Fowler CF
2. Jose Altuve 2B
3. Jason Castro C
4. Chris Carter DH
5. Jonathan Singleton 1B
6. Robbie Grossman LF
7. Matt Dominguez 3B
8. George Springer RF
9. Jonathan Villar SS
Rotation:
1. Scott Feldman
2. Brett Olberholtzer
3. Jarred Cosart
4. Brad Peacock
5. Dallas Keuchel
**Edit Note: Jerome Williams was signed and will also be in the rotation
3. Favorite/Least Favorite
a. Hayden's Favorite – Plethora of relief arms
b. Nick's Favorite – Fowler trade
c. Hayden's Least Favorite – Lack of trade assets outside of bullpen
d. Nick's Least Favorite – Still have that “stupid” “hill” in “CF”
4. High Heat Impact Player
a. Dexter Fowler
i. Veteran, everyday player on YOUNG team
ii. Some speed
iii. Consistent
iv. Good K/BB ratio
v. Gets on base; good leadoff guy
5. Prospect to make impact
a. George Springer
i. High AVG, OBP, has power, speed, and good arm
ii. Potential 20/20 guy
iii. Played 62 games AAA; getting Opp. In RF
iv. Must keep K’s down
6. Midseason Status
a. Trading relievers
i. Crain, Albers, Qualls, Fielders, Bass, etc. to contender for prospects
7. Bold Predictions
a. 65-97, 14-game improvement; Springer AL ROY
b. Trade Jesse Crain to BOS for 3B Garin Cecchini
Podcast Playlist:
"Hold On" by the Alabama Shakes
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
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