Houston Astros 2012 Preview

There were few bright spots for the Astros in 2011 but one of them definitely has to be that the organization and the fans got a good look at the future stars for this team.  The same will be said this season as all those kids who played a majority of the second half last year will get a full season in the big's.  The team does possess a couple of veterans but trade rumors have been surrounding them for the last couple years.  Wandy Rodriguez, the ace of the staff, will likely be moved this year at the trade deadline and Carlos Lee will probably be pursued by many clubs seeking a big bat.  So this season will be filled with its bumps but all these future stars will get to showcase their talents.  Let's take a look at what the young Astros will look like come Opening Day.

Staring Rotation- Wandy Rodriguez will be the front line starter for them, the only question is for how long, after many teams made a Trade Deadline push for him.  Veteran Brett Myers will be the number 2 man in the rotation and he could be moved at the Deadline.  The final three rotation spots will be filled by guys that will be future of Houston's plans.  Henry Sosa who impressed in his few starts last year will definitely get a rotation spot.  Bud Norris and J.A Happ will fill out the other rotation spots, both have a lot of potential.  Look for the young arm of Jordan Lyles to get some starts also, especially once someone is traded.  

Bullpen- The bullpen will be very similar to rotation, both will be filled with very young arms.  Brandon Lyon will be the closer again this year.  The rest of the bullpen will be made of guys that are all under 27 and should be very effective.  Look for Enerio Del Rosario, Wilton Lopez, Fernando Rodriguez and Sergio Escalona to fill in the setup roles of the 'pen.  David Carpenter will give Lyon some competition for the closer job come Spring Training.

Catcher- Chris Snyder will be the starting catcher but will have two young guys that are hungry for playing time trying to win the job.  Humberto Quintero and Jason Castro will both look to prove that they are worthy of the job, especially Castro who missed all of last season with a knee injury.

Infield- Carlos Lee will be the veteran leader of the infield at first base, but if he gets moved sometime during the season look for youngster Brett Wallace to take the job.  Newly acquired Jed Lowrie will be at shortstop after having some success in Boston.  Spark plug Jose Altuve will be at second base and will be the guy that provides a lot of energy to this team.  Youngster Jimmy Paredes will be at third base after having a good second half will look to build on that in his first season in the big's.  Jack Cust could also see some time at first base. 

Outfield- J.D Martinez impressed everyone with his skills at the plate and will be the starting left fielder.  CF will have a competition come Spring Training with Jason Bourgeois and Jordan Schafer, but we will give the job to Schafer.  But he has a lot to live it to given how highly the Braves thought of him before moving him last year for Michael Bourn.  Right field will go to another great hitting youngster in Brain Bogusevic, who should hit near .300 with a full season ahead of him.  

Lineup-

1. Jordan Schafer- Hopefully can reach his potential.

2. Jose Altuve- Will help set the table for the RBI guys.

3. J.D Martinez- Should easily get 25 HR with the short porch in left.

4. Carlos Lee- Veteran can still swing it.

5. Chris Snyder- Should drive in plenty.

6. Jed Lowrie- Could see time at the top of the order.

7. Brian Bogusevic- Could hit near .300.

8. Jimmy Paredes- Young bat should move up in the order.

9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

Given the way that 2011 went with only 56 wins and a last place finish in the NL Central, the Astros look to be headed in the same direction.  Expect to see more wins from this young hungry bunch of hustlers, but they will most likely finish last in the NL Central again.  The move to the AL West will be a good one for this club and could help them with their future plans.  Good luck in 2012 Astros Fans! And remember the future is very bright!

-Buddy