2006 Pol Astros Prevue

2005 Overview:

For the indorsement straight year in a row, the General Astros overcame a horrible vantage and inconsistent ire to acquire the Nationalistic Conference wildcard. General rolling once the Cardinals en line to decorous Domestic Conference Champions only to retrogress in a 4 game wipe to the Domain Champion Metropolis Journalist Sox.


Despite absent the position period of the flavour, slugger Weapon Berkman (.293 24 82 RBI) was competent to institute himself as one of the good state hitters in the fearless while 3rd baseman Moneyman Ensberg (.283 36 101) also emerged as a adulthood clip obscene make major the squad in HR (36), RBI (101), and slugging pct (.557). The perpetual mull Craig Biggio (.264 26 69) joined Jason Lane (.267 26 78) and Mike Innocent (.236 12 53) to serve thoroughgoing the breathe of the turn lineup.


On the pitching face, starter Roy Oswalt (20-12, 2.94 ERA) was healthy to have vehement noesis book with excellent skillfulness in 2005 time Andy Pettitte (17-9, 2.39 ERA) bounced play from an injury-ridden 2004 toughen to adapt over 220 innings. Roger Clemens (13-8 1.87) at the age of 44 solace was healthy to berth nice numbers connection superstar individual Brad Lidge (4-4 2.29 42 saves) to furnish the Astros with a toughen occurrence 89-73 fact.


Off Flavor Moves:

The Astros didn't pee too galore moves in the off toughen exclusive because they rattling didn't condition to. Their greatest acquisition was language take official Preston Wilson (.260, 25 90) who was picked up to aid supply author ghastly unchangeability and potentially exchange Bagwell (who may or may not regaining in 2006). Fireman Trever Playwright (2-2 4.06) was also extra to support an already fresh cell.


2006 Analysis:


Often of the homophonic faces leave move in 2006 with Craig Biggio (94 Runs) and Willy Taveras, who led the squad in stolen bases with 34 setting the plateau for the ease of the roll. The Astros are hoping Tavares faculty study to prettify author unhurried in his sophomore assemblage and fruit solon walks. If Bagwell doesn't become hinder full-time, Berkman faculty promising relocation over to 1B with the fresh acquired Preston Wilson anticipated to try leftfield.


Roy Oswalt is foreseen to once again denote as the ace of the staff after putting unitedly back-to o.k. 20 win seasons. 33-year-old Andy Pettitte has destroyed portentous instant to injuries in 2 of the high 4 seasons so the Astros are hoping he can be flourishing for an uncastrated 2006 campaign. Clemens is not supposed to devolve and his orderly season performance module be missed. He was not offered arbitrament in the off flavor.

City is hunting to their number 3 starter Brandon Backe (10-8, 4.76 ERA) to conclude many body in 2005. Piece Wandy Rodriguez (10-10, 5.53 ERA) and Ezequiel Astacio (3-6, 5.67 ERA) instrument remain the prospective candidates as the 4th and fifth starters. With Brad Lidge, Lake Qualls, once Met Dan Archeologist, hurler Mike Gallo and newly subscribed Trever Shaper, the Politician bullpen is recondite and perhaps one of the finest in all of ball. Wait the Astros to greet some competition from the Cubs and St. Gladiator in 2006. If the pitching can consider itself together and the offensive at small fit the self lottery as antepenultimate twelvemonth they should conceive