Houston Astros Upgrade Rotation, Sign Brett Myers

Now this is what I'm talking about!

As reported on the Houston Astros' website, Brett Myers has signed a one year contract worth around five million dollars. This signing not only brings another veteran presence with playoff experience to the ball-club, it also relieves the pressure on the younger starters, such as Yorman Bazardo and Felipe Paulino that were expected to step up into the rotation. 

From this point, and looking at past performances, I believe that the starting rotation will look something like this when the Astros begin the season:

Roy Oswalt

Wandy Rodriquez

Bud Norris

Brett Myers

Brian Moehler

Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle put Paulino as the fifth starter, and while I think that would be great for the Astros, I do not see him pulling everything together to fight off Moehler, a seasoned and dependable veteran. I placed Norris above Myers because I was very impressed with the performance Norris put on last season after being called up from Triple A. 

The Astros are very close to being finished for the offseason, with the payroll increasing a little above target with the Myers signing. Looking at the club now, I believe that we have a great chance to compete for the wild card. While I would love to say that we will win the Central, with the Cardinals keeping Matt Holliday it doesn't seem likely. 

But with contributions from young players such as Tommy Manzella and J.R. Towles, the Astros could be the surprise team of the season, next to the Seattle Mariners, who are making some big splashes this offseason. 

As an avid Astros fan, I am excited to see the young players show the league what they can do, and see how the rotation holds up. The bullpen is a big question with the departure of the dependable LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde. What the Astros need is a close to perfect season.

Hey with their history, that isn't too much to ask for right?