MLB Preview: Houston Astros

2011 Recap
Last season was, by any measure, a disappointing year for the Astros. The team dealt Hunter Pence to the Phillies, and Michael Bourn was sent to Atlanta as the team stumbled to a franchise-worst 56-106 record. Carlos Lee (.275 BA, 18 HR, 94 RBI) was solid last season, and prospects like left fielder J.D. Martinez (.274 BA, 5 HR, 34 RBI) and first baseman Brett Wallace (.259 BA, 5 HR, 29 RBI) were able to gain valuable experience. The pitching staff struggled throughout the season, ranking 28th or worse in ERA (4.51), WHIP (1.42), walks allowed (560) and home runs allowed (188). Both Wandy Rodriguez (3.49 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) and Bud Norris (3.77 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) were solid in the rotation, but a lack of run support hurt their win-loss record.
New Arrivals
LF Justin Ruggiano
RF Jack Cust
C Chris Snyder
SP Zach Duke
SP Livan Hernandez
SS Jed Lowrie
P Kyle Weiland
SS Diory Hernandez
Cust is an OPS machine, as he has a good eye at the dish and power to all fields, but also strikes out A LOT (38.9% of his at-bats end in a K), and has had a horrible spring (1-25), but should still be a solid pinch-hitting candidate. Both Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland were acquired from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon. Lowrie is a solid shortstop that is capable of playing both second and third base as well. While not an All-Star level player, Lowrie should provide stability and solid production for the Astros. Weiland has been steady this spring, posting a 2.25 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in five appearances (16 innings). Zach Duke and Livan Hernandez are non-rsoter invitees. Duke has struggled in his last two starts (14 ER in 7.1 IP), which will hurt his chances to make the team, and while Hernandez's ERA is better than Duke's (4.38 to 11.30 this spring), he's not missing many bats, as his 1.70 WHIP and .308 batting average against would indicate. Snyder has solid pop in his bat, and is having a solid spring, likely solidifying his spot behind Jason Castro at catcher. Diory Hernandez is a non-roster invitee who will likely wind up missing the cut, as he's posted just a .111 batting average this spring. Ruggiano is another non-roster invitee who will likely face an uphill battle for a roster spot.

Prospect to Watch: 1B Jonathan Singleton
Singleton was one of the prospects the Astros received from Philadelphia in the Hunter Pence trade. Still just 20 years old, Singleton hit very well in Class A ball last season, posting 13 HR and 63 RBI in 128 games, with an .833 OPS. As Singleton is able to add more muscle to his frame, he projects as a very good power hitter down the road. A good year in the minors could even lead to a late season call-up, as it's likely the Astros won't be in playoff contention come September, though its still more likely he makes his major league debut some time in 2013.

2012 Outlook
The Astros are pretty clearly in rebuilding mode, and could look to deal starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and OF Carlos Lee this summer to further strengthen an already strong farm system. There is a lot of solid young talent on the big club, including Bret Wallace, Jose Altuve, Bud Norris and J.D Martinez. The Astros likely won't win a lot of games in 2012, but the team could be much improved when they move to the American League West in 2013.