2008 Houston Astros Picks & Predictions
May 22, 2008
Dave Price’s 2008 Houston Astros predictions weight the chances of this franchise bouncing back after a 73-89 season. Here’s a little hint, their chances aren’t looking too good.
Pitching
If ace Roy Oswalt could pitch every single game, Houston would be tough this season. The reality is that the Astros don’t have much after Mr. Oswalt. Oswalt is 112-54 in his career with an ERA of 3.07. Brandon Backe is probably the number two and he is still unproven. He has worked his way back from Tommy John surgery and the ‘stros are still optimistic. Woody Williams may finally need to hang it up after last year’s 8-15 season and Wandy Rodriguez should only pitch at home.
The pen got considerable stronger with GM Ed Wade bringing in Jose Valvarde and the 47 saves he amounted at Arizona in 2007. When Houston can get this guy the ball with the lead in the ninth, I like the Astros chances. That move alone should get Houston closer to 80 wins this season. Oscar Villarreal could turn into a gem of a setup man. He went 8-1 with the Braves back in 2006.
Offense
Ed Wade also made the offense better by bringing in Miguel Tejada, but this move alone will not be enough to close the gap on the Cubs, Brewers, and even the Reds in 2008. Tejada did not have a good season, by the standards we have come to expect, last year in Baltimore. Hopefully a fresh start will mean a better year from the former MVP. Lance Berkman has emerged as one of the biggest power threats in baseball. He crushed 34 homeruns and added 102 RBIs in 2007. Carlos Lee rounds out a strong middle of the order with 30 homerun/110 RBI power. These guys will carry as much of the load as they can, but there is no doubt that some of Houston’s younger guys need to start stepping up.
Defense
You can’t replace Craig Biggio in my opinion. Kaz Matsui will try to do his best, but Tejada is a big improvement at short. Whatever defensive deficiencies he has will more than be made up for with his stick. Lance Berkman’s defense has been better than expected after taking over for Jeff Bagwell at first base. He, like Tejada, is a much bigger asset at the plate though. They also sacrificed defense for offense at third base giving up Morgan Ensberg and acquiring Ty Wiggington.
There’s no doubt that the Astros will be better after getting the best shortstop available and landing the NL’s best closer, but an unproven starting rotation figures to hold this team back.
Put your trust in World Champion MLB handicapper Dave Price this season for the most MLB Winners in the industry. 10 consecutive winning seasons speak volumes about the talent of this hard working capper.
Odds to win NL Central: 10/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 20/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 60/1
NL Central
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