Just Two More Weeks Until the Best Season in Professional Sports Begins

Love it or hate it, there is nothing like the game of baseball.

And in just two short weeks, America’s Pastime begins in full swing as Major League Baseball players across the globe recommence for the 2010 season.

With the new season comes high hopes of rebuilding or contending in 2010, and the Houston Astros aim for the latter in what appears to be a fairly-weak National League Central.

Based on early results (I know Spring Training does not mean a whole lot, but Houston looks pretty solid mid-March), I believe the Astros will absolutely be contenders for the NL Central crown this season.

Astros ace Roy Oswalt has looked especially good this spring, as Houston’s star right-handed pitcher has yet to give up a run in the Grapefruit League. He appears to be headed towards an All-Star season.

First baseman Lance Berkman, who is out of Spring Training due to knee surgery, hopes to be ready for Opening Day as Houston prepares for what many may call a growing year.

Regardless of what you want to call the Astros 2010 campaign, they will be entering a division that is definitely up for grabs.

And if Houston can nail down a solid rotation led by veterans such as Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez (who has struggled in ST but thankfully it is just March), there is no doubt that they will be contenders this year.

Houston also has a new skipper at the helm, and that will likely be a good thing as Brad Mills appears to fit the Astros like a perfectly-oiled glove.

Offensively and defensively speaking, the Astros appear to be heading into the season with a similar lineup to the 2009 season, though they are hoping for much different results.

With a fairly-stacked and very speedy outfield along with a defensive-minded infield, look for the Houston Astros to make a run for the NL Central this season.

It is only mid-March, but the very best season in professional sports begins in just two short weeks…

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]