Houston Astros: Spring Training Information

By Astros County
Location: Osceola County Stadium - Kissimmee, Florida
Pitchers and Catchers Report: Feb. 14
First Game: Feb. 25
Schedule

Projected Lineup:

1. Kaz Matsui
2. Michael Bourn
3. Lance Berkman
4. Carlos Lee
5. Miguel Tejada
6. Hunter Pence
7. Geoff Blum/Aaron Boone
8. Humberto Quintero

Rotation:

Roy Oswalt
Wandy Rodriguez
Mike Hampton
Brian Moehler
Brandon Backe

Bullpen: Long relief: Chris Sampson, Fernando Nieve
Situational: Gil de la Vara (Rule 5), Tim Byrdak, Wesley Wright
7th inning: LaTroy Hawkins
8th inning: Doug Brocail
Closer: Jose Valverde
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Key Battles: The Astros are largely intact from their 2008 season, which followed GM Ed Wade's overhaul of the club. Replacing Brad Ausmus has proved to be tougher to replace than previously thought, or expected, so there's an interesting battle shaping up behind the plate. Humberto Quintero looked like the catcher-in-waiting, as J.R. Towles was brought up too soon in 2008. But with the Astros signing Toby Hall - who has the most experience - and also selecting Lou Palmisano in the Rule 5 draft, there are four catchers for two spots. Quintero has caught 152 games in his career, with a .230/.271/.304 line while Hall has appeared in 686 games and a .262/.297/.374 line.

There are also some interesting battles shaping up in the rotation, as no one would really fear the Astros beyond Roy Oswalt. Wandy Rodriguez had a solid, though injury-plagued, 2008 and is a firm #2 while new addition Mike Hampton and Brian Moehler round out the first four spots. Brandon Backe, after spending much of November and December wondering if he would be tendered a contract, was retained for the fifth spot, but there are some options breathing down his neck. The Astros invited Clay Hensley, Russ Ortiz, and Chad Paronto to Spring Training while Felipe Paulino and out-of-options Fernando Nieve will also be given a chance to come in and win a spot in the rotation.

What to expect: You look at the Astros lineup and rotation and it looks like Ed Wade has been playing with Dynasty Mode on MLB 2002: Aaron Boone, Russ Ortiz, Mike Hampton, Miguel Tejada. The Astros were among the first clubs to plead "Downturn!" and adjust their off-season plans by withdrawing an offer to Randy Wolf, and then non-tendering Ty Wigginton. Cheaper alternatives were sought - and found - but it's going to take an over-achieving team to give the Astros hope in 2009.

So what to expect? Who knows? Which Astro team will show up - the 2008 Astro club that was 50-57 and 13.5 games back at the end of July, or the team that was 31-10 up until Hurricane Ike forced the Astros to relocate and sputter in September? Will Michael Bourn rebound from what was basically a disastrous 2008? Will Mike Hampton regain his former pitching prowess? How will Miguel Tejada perform after pleading guilty to lying to investigators? Can Kaz Matsui stay healthy? Will the platoon of Aaron Boone and Geoff Blum replace Ty Wigginton? Was Brandon Backe's 2008 season a normal progression after Tommy John surgery and can he win his way back into the hearts of fans? These are all major question marks and there aren't any easy answers.

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