Houston Astros: I Know It's Difficult, but Let's Focus on the Positives…

Houston, we have a problem.

Not that we didn’t already know that as Astros fans, but there are undoubtedly issues that must be fixed as we look towards the end of the 2009 season and beyond.

My main hope is that we keep some of the core intact, “veterans” like Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman, along with up-and-comers such as Hunter Pence and Bud Norris.

The future appears bright for the Astros if we can make the right moves and bring a solid pitching rotation to Houston.

I must wholeheartedly admit that I am really looking forward to next season and what the Astros can do in terms of their younger players in the farm systems, such as the Round Rock Express.

Granted, it will be quite a busy off-season, but we can only get better from here, right?

As hard as it’s been to watch the Stros down the stretch this season, I continue to do so night-in and night-out.

The jersey may be back on the wall ‘til next year, but 2010 is literally right around the corner.

Is it too early to ask Craig Biggio to return to the clubhouse, this time as a manager?

Maybe I’m just dreaming, images of Nolan Ryan and Jose Cruz floating around in my head, as they have since my first Astros game as a kid.

I love America’s Pastime, and it’s only a matter of time before the Astros once again become contenders in the National League Central…

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