The Houston Astros

Losses: P Jose Valverde, IF Miguel Tejada, P Mike Hampton, C Ivan Rodriguez, P Latroy Hawkins

Gains: P Matt Lindstrom, P Brett Myers, 3B Pedro Feliz, P Brandon Lyon, OF Jason Michaels, P Gustavo Chacin

Analysis: Taking a look at what's gained and lost, it's tough to judge for the Astros. They look to be a very similar team. They lost two big arms in the bullpen in Valverde and Hawkins, but brought in less-proven, but high-potential arms Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon. They lose Tejada, but it's tough to imagine another year like 2009 left in Miggy, so the Astros brought in Pedro Feliz, who plays incredible defense at third, and has shown spurts of power and production. They let go of always injured Mike Hampton and bring in a couple projects in Myers and Chacin. If one of the two starters return to their top form (Chacin will probably spend his time in AAA) that could certainly be an improvement, but it will be up to the new array of bullpen arms to prove this off season productive.

More moves: Haven't heard much, but couldn't hurt to pick up a catcher (Rod Barajas is available) **offered Willy Taveres minor league deal. he had a pretty successful year in Houston, what was it 2008?***

2010 Thoughts: The Astros still have some things going for them. They have some strong, though aging, bats in Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee. They have the emerging Hunter Pence, who we will see start to solidify his level of play in the next year or two. And their pitching staff includes budding star Wandy Rodriguez and one of the premier pitchers in the game, in Roy Oswalt. The rest of the roster comes off as average, so they are really going to have to rely on continued production from the big guys. The pitching behind Oswalt and Rodriguez is to be seen: young prospect Bud Norris could end up a good #3, but I don't know what Myers will bring and Brad Moehler is a fifth starter, is a fifth starter, etc. Michael Bourn improved his ability to get on base and use his speed, and Kazuo Matsui has been acceptable at second, but these players (Feliz, C J.R. Towles, SS Tommy Manzella) shouldn't be expected to compete for any kind of great accolades.

Prediction: Everyone is better than the Pirates, but as the Reds get better, the Astros stay the same: 5th in the NL Central.