Astros need solid pitching to have a chance in 2008

The Houston Astros finished last season 73-89 and are now three years removed from the amazing 2005 run to the World Series. Cecil Cooper, who took over for Phil Garner last year, will be entering his first full season as manager. It should be interesting to see what he does with this team, which did make a little bit of noise in the offseason. They did make a move to bring Miguel Tejada on board, but it came with controversey. Only a few days after the aquisition, Tejada was named in the Mitchell Report. The All-Star shortstop's numbers were down last season and with all the distractions surrounding him, it will be hard to imagine him having a superb year. Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman are the heart of that order and should put up great numbers, especially in that park. Hunter Pence was an impressive rookie last season, but we'll see if he can repeat that success this year. But that's also a disadvantage when it comes to the pitching staff.

They do have Roy Oswalt, who is surely a quality ace, but after that, it's Woody Williams and questionable starters who are still trying to prove themselves in the Big Leagues. Williams is an average pitcher at best and who knows if Wandy Rodriguez will amount to anything. He showed signs last season, but I still need to see more to be convinced. They also signed Shawn Chacon. WooHoo!

I guess I could see Kaz Matsui being a key aquisition, but one good postseason doesn't prove anything. I'm a Mets fan. I don't want Matsui on my team. But if he ends up playing as well as he did with the 2007 Rockies, then the Astros made the right move. For now, we'll see.

Matsui is replacing the long-time Astro Craig Biggio, who retired at the end of last season. The future Hall of Famer will be missed in Houston. He was a gritty player who played the game the right way. Most importantly, he was the heart of the Astro teams of the past. It will be odd watching an Astros game without him in the lineup. I have a lot of respect for Biggio and I'm sure the fans of Houston do as well.

The Astros are looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since their 2005 run. In my opinion, I can't see it happening this season. They should be better record wise, but not good enough to make the postseason. The Cubs should win the division. They are the most talented team in the Central and I don't see the Astros competing at that level throughout the six month regular season. I think 80 wins sounds about right for this team. A slight improvement from last season, but not to the point to satisfy the Houston faithful.

Shawn Marosek