Houston We Have a Problem: Rebuilding Astros Look for Answers in 2011

Keeping things in the National League Central Division, our second team on the list is the Houston Astros.

Only five years removed from the team's first World Series appearance (an embarrassing 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Chicago White Sox) this team has fallen very far, and fast.

Last season, the Astros traded away two key pieces from that World Series team in 2005: Lance Berkman was dealt to the Yankees, and Roy Oswalt was sent to the Phillies. 

You have to give the team some credit though—after struggling in recent years, changes were necessary. Especially for a team that finished 20th or worse in every single offensive statistic.

Despite the trades, and lack of consistency in the batting lineup, the Astros pulled off a moderately successful season going 76-86 finishing fourth in the NL Central. 

However, with both Milwaukee and Chicago vastly improving their starting rotations, Houston is left on the outside looking in looking to finish above the lowly Pirates for fifth place in the division this season.

Going into the 2011 season, here's what the Astros starting lineup and rotation look like.

C: Jason Castro

1B: Brett Wallace

2B: Bill Hall

3B: Chris Johnson

SS: Clint Barmes

LF: Carlos Lee

CF: Michael Bourn

RF: Hunter Pence

SP: Wandy Rodriguez

SP: Brett Myers

SP: J.A. Happ

SP: Bud Norris

SP: Nelson Figueroa

CL: Brandon Lyon

On a team that screams mediocrity in all aspects, one player really stands out for this club, and that is Wandy Rodriguez. In fact, Rodriguez is the ONLY remaining member from the 2005 World Series team.

Brett Myers is a solid No. 2 starter, but after him, the rest of the rotation really falls off. Depth at every position is a major concern for this Astros team.

After trading away Oswalt and Berkman, the key is now developing talent in the minor leagues. The Astros have no lack of good minor league prospects, but they do not have many major league-ready players at this point in time.

The everyday lineup for the Astros should remain the same, but injuries will definitely play a big factor in the success or lack thereof for this team in 2011. Clint Barmes is only a few years removed from being a very productive everyday player, but recent injuries have kept him from reaching his full potential.

Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee and Michael Bourn form one of the best outfield units in all of baseball from an offensive standpoint. If Bourn can succeed in the leadoff spot for this team and continually be a threat on the bases, Houston will have no problem generating runs.

The main concern for the lineup though, is the bottom half of the order, without much offensive threat coming after Lee and Pence in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots in the order. If Houston can get solid run support for their pitchers (something that has always been an issue for this team) then maybe they can improve on their moderate success from last year.

However, I do not believe that the Astros have the pieces in place to make a push for the playoffs. With run support lacking, and the rotation/bullpen needing depth, do not expect this Houston team to lift off in 2011.