Houston Astros: 4 Astros Who Won't Be Back in 2012

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The Astros are rebuilding and have been very aggressive in their pursuit of prospects and getting rid of veterans. Players like Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn have all been moved over the past two seasons in hopes of rebuilding a depleted farm system.

While all early indications are they have done a good job in stocking up, I don't think the Astros are done yet. They still have a number of veterans who probably won't be on the 2012 Opening Day roster. I have come up with four players who I don't expect to be back next season.

Carlos Corporan

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Carlos Corporan has played better over the last week, hitting .400 over the past seven days. The problem is he still hitting .229 for the month of August and only .195 for the season.

As long as Jason Castro comes back healthy he will be the starting catcher in 2012 with Humberto Quintero as the primary back-up. The Astros will most likely carry two catchers on their roster, making Corporan odd man out.

Brandon Lyons

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Brandon Lyon has spent the majority of 2011 on the disabled list but when he did play he was ineffective. He will finish the season with an ERA of 11.48 and four blown saves.

Lyon was suppose to be the Astros' closer and after an effective 2010, looked more than capable of holding down the position. That was not the case and he really has no value on a rebuilding team like the Astros. He would take away valuable playing time from some of the younger relief pitchers. 

Brett Myers

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Brett Myers has not looked like the potential ace many thought he could become after his 2010 season. He has given up 102 runs and 98 earned runs so far this season, which is highest for any pitcher in the majors at this point in the season.

He does unfortunately have a rather large contract so it will be hard to move Myers but I think new owner and management will make moving Myers a top priority heading into 2012. He is taking time away from younger players who will need to develop and get major league playing time. 

Wandy Rodriguez

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All the players before this are most likely salary dumps and really don't have enough trade value. Wandy Rodriguez is talented enough to bring back decent prospects in a trade.

It looked like Wandy could of been on the move this week as the Astros placed him on waivers and he was claimed by the Colorado Rockies. For whatever reason, Wandy was pulled back from waivers by the Astros which means Wandy will finish the year with Houston.

The good sign was that Wandy was claimed, which means that there is at least one team that has some interest in the starting pitcher. By not trading him, the Astros can work out with any team they choose to during the off season.