| Team Information
The Houston Astros made it to the World Series last year for the first time in their history. The unfortunate outcome shouldn’t diminish the accomplishment. There is a good chance Phil Garner’s crew will make a return visit, because they have a solid team, well-managed and featuring a solid pitching staff. From their early days as the Colt 45’s until the final out of the 2005 WS, the Astros have thrilled their fans through the good times and bad. Playing baseball inside the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, namely the Astrodome, was an historic event indeed. Astros GM Tim Purpura has assembled a strong roster to compete for years to come.
The Astros strength is in pitching. Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte remains a solid one/two punch. Brandon Backe is expected to make improvements on his 10-8 record from 2005. It remains to be seen if Roger Clemens returns to the club for another year. If he doesn’t, then it will be up to youngsters like Fernando Nieve, Wandy Rodriguez or Taylor Buchholz to pick up the slack. Closer Brad Lidge experienced some dramatic struggles during the playoffs. Home runs by Albert Pujols and Scott Podsednik appeared to shake his confidence, but he handled it like a professional and answered every post-game question.
Astros brass hopes it makes him stronger for the experience. Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler will continue to handle long and situational duties. Dave Borkowski and Trever Miller were brought in this off-season to help out as well.
Offensively, the Astros feature some good hitting but the bats went cold in the WS. Regardless, Lance Berkman is always dangerous as is Morgan Ensberg and the veteran Craig Biggio. GM Purpura brought in Preston Wilson to add some punch. Brad Ausmus will handle duties behind the plate again.
The Astros are good; there is no doubt about that. They’ll fight the toughest for the National League Central crown. There is also no doubt their fans will show up in great numbers and do their best to root the Astros back into the postseason.
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