BDD has a massive preview of the 2010 Astros. It's well worth a full read, so let's only pull a couple of things of note:
On the final place in the standings:
They’ll remain pseudo-competitive in the Central and could finish anywhere in the standings; though a 4th, 5th or 6th finish is more likely than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Achilles Heel:
Eventually, like in Philadelphia, Ed Wade will get his proper due. At least in Philadelphia, the ownership group was not as closed off to taking the necessary steps to become successful as McLane is. He finally agreed to move on from Cecil Cooper last year and begrudgingly has let a youth movement begin in Houston. It’s not the worst thing in the world when your owner demands the team remain competitive but it sure can slow down a long overdue rebuilding process.
Writer Brian Joseph's Top 10 Astro Prospects:
1. Jason Castro
2. Jiovanni Mier
3. Jordan Lyles
4. Ross Seaton
5. Koby Clemens
6. Collin DeLome
7. Chia-Jen Lo
8. Jay Austin
9. T.J. Steele
10. Jon Gaston
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
