2010 Preview: Houston Astros

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Houston Astros went 74-88, placing fifth in NL Central.

Five years ago, the Houston Astros painfully knocked the Phillies out of playoff contention. Time flies. No more Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, or Roger Clemens. Despite having an entirely different core, the Astros have plenty of experienced players. In 2009, the Astros relied on Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, and Carlos Lee.

Although they had power hitters like Berkman and Lee, the Astros finished towards the bottom in runs scored. Their pitching was not much better, collecting a 4.54 team earned run average. Roy Oswalt, who was once a Cy Young candidate, had a poor year that was plagued with injuries. The only consistent pitcher was Wandy Rodriguez, who surprised us all with 14 wins and a 3.02 ERA.

The Astros made several moves this off-season, giving them a familiar look. Ed Wade, the Phillies former general manager, signed Pedro Feliz and Brett Myers, who join former teammates Michael Bourn and Jason Michaels.

The Astros weren’t done. With the departure of Jose Valverde, the Astros traded for Matt Lindstrom and found a new closer in Brandon Lyon. Lyon was given a very pricey three-year, $15 million contract.

The Astros made a significant amount of changes, but still have plenty of question marks. Does anybody know who Tommy Manzella is? He’s their shortstop. J.R Towels was once a highly touted prospect and will be given the opportunity to catch everyday. However, the 25-year old’s hasn’t been able to reach the Mendoza line during his time in the majors.

Berkman and Oswalt have both been bothered with injuries this spring. In addition, Wandy Rodriguez will have to prove that 2009 was not a fluke.

The outfield is set with Lee, Bourn, and the emerging star Pence, but they will not be enough to carry the Astros towards playoff contention.

Prediction: 79-83

Astros Sweep Phillies

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Four years ago, Craig Biggio sent Billy Wagner's offering into the left field seats, diminishing the Phillies' Wild Card hopes. The Astros completing a four game sweep isn't as devastating, but it is still tough to take in.

J.A Happ was a late scratch due to a mild oblique strain suffered during batting practice. Jamie Moyer was penciled in, but the short notice worked to his advantage. Moyer pitched six innings, giving up two runs, three hits and one walk. The only damage came on Hunter Pence's 413-foot blast. Beat that, Ryan Howard.

Howard's RBI single gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead before Pence's bomb. Next, Howard hit an estimated 445-foot opposite field moonshot. Howard and Raul Ibanez went back-to-back. It was Ibanez's second home run in 123 at-bats. The Phillies led 3-2 headed into the seventh.

In a crucial situation in the sixth inning, Charlie Manuel opted to leave Moyer in, even though Michael Bourn was on base. Moyer escaped the jam, something Chan Ho Park failed to do an inning later. Miguel Tejada and Pence hit back-to-back doubles, tying the game at three. Park, who normally does not walk many batters, walked three in a row (one intentional), bringing home the go-ahead run. Manuel waited too long to make the call to Scott Eyre, who ended the inning without further trouble.

The Phillies were lucky it wasn't worse. But once again, the offense wasn't able to do much. They were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. The small ball in the first inning worked, thanks to Shane Victorino's steal and Howard's single. If they do more of this, they'll see themselves putting up more runs.

Since 2004, the Astros have given the Phillies trouble. They are 24-11, the highest winning percentage (.686) of any National League club against the Phillies. The last time the Astros swept the Phillies in a four game series was September 6-9, 1999. It must not be a good time to face the 'Stros.