(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

HOUSTON ASTROS

LINEUP

1. Michael Bourn | CF | .229 | 5 HR | 29 RBI

2. Ivan Rodriguez | C | .276 | 7 HR | 35 RBI

3. Lance Berkman | 1B | .312 | 29 HR | 106 RBI

4. Carlos Lee | LF | .314 | 28 HR | 100 RBI

5. Miguel Tejada | SS | .283 | 13 HR | 66 RBI

6. Hunter Pence | RF | .269 | 25 HR | 83 RBI

7. Geoff Blum | 3B | .240 | 14 HR | 53 RBI

8. Kazuo Matsui | 2B | .293 | 6 HR | 33 RBI

9. PITCHER

PITCHING STAFF

1. Roy Oswalt | 17-10 | 3.54 ERA | 165 K | 1.18 WHIP

2. Wandy Rodriguez | 9-7 | 3.54 ERA | 131 K | 1.31 WHIP

3. Mike Hampton | 3-4 | 4.85 ERA | 38 K | 1.42 WHIP

4. Brian Moehler | 11-8 | 4.56 ERA | 82 K | 1.35 WHIP

5. Russ Ortiz | 2-3 | 5.51 ERA | 27 K | 1.57 WHIP (2007 Stats)

CL Jose Valverde | 44 SV | 3.38 ERA | 83 K | 1.18 WHIP

KEY BENCH PLAYERS

Jeff Keppinger | .266 | 3 HR | 43 RBI

Darin Erstad | .276 | 4 HR | 31 RBI

For some reason, I like the Houston Astros. I think their pitching is decent with Oswalt and Rodriguez at the top and Valverde closing. Their lineup is bolstered by Berkman and Lee and they have versatile players like Bourn and Pence. The one hole this team has is depth: whether it be their pitching or their bench, they do not have much depth. We will see what is in store for them in 2009, but if Hampton, Moehler, and Ortiz can step up and pitch well for an ENTIRE season, keep your eyes on the Astros.

OVERALL GRADE: C+

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