Houston Astros: 8 Reasons They Won't Finish Last in the NL Central in 2012

Last year was rough for Astros fans as the team finished with the worst record in Major League Baseball. It was not fun baseball to watch but it is a new season and every team starts with the same record.

The Astros just don't have enough talent right now to win the NL Central but they are better than last place. The Astros are the biggest long shot to win the World Series at 200-1, according to Las Vegas Sports Betting. Now I would have to be crazy to predict the Astros are going to the World Series but here are eight reasons that they won't finish last in the NL Central.

Brett Myers as Closer

In one of the early shockers of Astros spring training, Brad Mills announced that Brett Myers will be the team's closer in 2012. This should be a great move for Houston as it adds some stability to the position with Mark Melancon being traded this offseason.

The Astros struggled in late inning situations and only converted 50 percent of their save opportunities. If Myers is able to increase that percentage another 25 points to 75 percent the Astros would have won an additional 12 games. These 12 wins would have put them three games behind the Cubs for second to last in the NL Central.

Cubs Are Rebuilding

The Cubs made one of the bigger moves this offseason by bringing Theo Epstein aboard to run baseball operations. In the long run this could be the best move by an organization this year but 2012 is going to be rough for Chicago.

They have a mediocre rotation and their lineup is not going to scare any teams. The Astros are about two years ahead of the Cubs in the rebuilding process and the Cubs will keep Houston out of the basement in 2012. 

Last Year in NL Central

This is the last year of the Cardinals rivalry, the Cubs rivalry, and all the other NL Central foes. I think the players on the team know the importance of this year and will play with a little more conviction than last year.

I don't think they have the talent to take the crown but I don't see this team laying down and giving up in any games this year, especially divisional games.

Jason Castro

The Astros will get their top catching prospect, Jason Castro, back this year from a knee injury he suffered in spring training last year. He will make a difference with his defense and calling the game for the pitchers.

When he played the second half of 2010 he showed that his arm and understanding of the game was major league ready but his bat at the plate was not. He won't add much on the offensive side in 2012 but then again what Houston catcher has?

New Ownership

There is new life in the Astros organization with former owner Drayton McLane selling the team to Jim Crane. McLane did not open his pockets the last few years to keeps expenses down and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

That is over and Jim Crane has a new dedication to winning. It has started with his front office moves and fans will notice a difference in 2012.

Bud Norris and Jordan Lyles

Bud Norris and Jordan Lyles will create a 1-2 punch for the Astros that will get them out of the basement. Lyles will be a year older and show some of that potential that many see in him. Bud Norris will continue to build on what he achieved in 2011 and prove to be one of the better strikeout pitchers.

Jed Lowrie

This was not a huge trade but will pay big dividends this year and hopefully years to come. Lowrie is a young shortstop who is basically a younger version of Clint Barmes.

Lowrie will help in the batting lineup, adding a little pop from the shortstop position as well as out on the field. This will be the first year that Lowrie enters the season as the starting shortstop and doesn't have to compete for that starting spot. I think Lowrie is due for a big year.

Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee had a bounce back year and he will be the catalyst to getting them out of the basement in 2012. Even though he is not the home run hitter he used to be, he still is an RBI machine.

He is the best hitter on the Astros and with a strong year will help the young batters around him. Carlos Lee is the number one reason the Astros will not finish in last in the NL Central.