Houston Astros 2003 Season Preview

by Paul Wysard

As pitchers and catchers were preparing to report for the beginnings of Spring Training, the Astros appeared to be a very serious threat to a Cardinals' repeat performance at the top of the NL Central. Jeff Kent, the premier power hitting second baseman in the league, a player with six straight seasons of 100-plus RBIs and a recent MVP, had signed on from San Francisco. He would join 1b Jeff Bagwell and OF Lance Berkman as one of the most potent 3-4-5 batting order combos in the game. After delicate negotiations, long-time 2b and offensive catalyst Craig Biggio had agreed to move to the outfield to make room for Kent. Richard Hidalgo, who went .314, 44, 122 in 2000, had lucked out in a shooting assault, his wound not affecting critical areas, and his physical and mental outlooks were promising. Poised atop the pitching staff were two of the best right-handed starters in the league, Wade Miller and Roy Oswalt, strikeout types with 20-win potential and enhanced experience. Strong support was available in the bullpen from super-fast southpaw closer Billy Wagner and live-armed right-handed set-up man Octavio Dotel, who last season led all major league relievers in strikeouts and innings pitched.

But rather suddenly, this promising scenario was jolted by one event and one announcement. First, main left-handed and number three starter Carlos Hernandez was forced to go under the knife to correct serious shoulder problems, a process which will keep him out for 2003 and for some, if not all, of 2004. Then management disclosed plans to move potential replacements Kirk Saarloos and Peter Munro to the bullpen. Saarloos suffered some rookie problems last season, but started 17 times, with respected stuff and attitude. Munro is not as dazzling, but was 5-5, 3.57 with 14 starts. The onus of # 3 therefore falls upon either Shane Reynolds or Brian Moehler. Reynolds has had some strong seasons in the past, but is 35 and coming off of surgery. Moehler is such that an 11-10, 4.50 contribution would be considered a plus. Younger righthander Tim Redding, not as promising as Saarloos, leads a small group of less-known hurlers who will try to get their feet in the door at the back of the rotation.

Although there are some doubts about punch being provided from third and short, and about 37-year-old Biggio's stamina over six months, this will be a very dangerous offense, especially in the home park. The bench is adequate with catcher Greg Zaun, outfielders Brian Hunter and Orlando Merced, and shortstops Julio Lugo and Jose Vizcaino spelling each other. Last year's 3b prospect, Morgan Ensberg, may not yet be ready for heavy duty.

Projected Lineup:

lf Biggio
ss Lugo (Vizcaino)
1b Bagwell
cf Berkman
2b Kent
rf Hidalgo
3b Blum
c Ausmus

sp Miller
sp Oswalt
sp Reynolds
sp Moehler
sp Redding
rp Dotel
cl Wagner

Prediction: The Astros will beat up on people from time to time, but without a lefthanded starter, and with uncertainty beyond the first and second rotation slots, they will have to settle for second in the Division, holding off the improved Cubs, but also missing out on the Wild Card.