Houston Astros: 10 Reasons Why They Should Overhaul Their Aging Outfield

The Houston Astros were mediocre last season with a losing record.  Dominant teams have run producers and run scorers in their outfield.  Houston has an aging crew that do not produce up to the levels of other teams.

Houston needs to get younger in its outfield, but it also needs to flat get more talented.  The current starters are Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and Carlos Lee.  

Improve Fielding

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HOUSTON - JUNE 03: Left fielder Carlos Lee #45 of the Houston Astros misplays a ball hit by Willie Harris of the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning scoring Mike Morse at Minute Maid Park on June 3, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty

Michael Bourn is fast.  Michael Bourn is, in fact, freakishly fast.  Speed from one position does not solidify an outfield enough though.  

Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence are both below average fielders for their positions (although Pence has a very good arm) and Bourn has a weak throwing arm.

In order to compete with the MLB's elite, the Astros must obtain fielders who can catch every ball and throw out runners at the plate.  

Get More Power

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 15: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros flies out to right field in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park on September 15, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee are good power hitters.  Michael Bourn makes up for his lack of power with an abundance of speed.  

The problem is, most teams have a dominant run producer somewhere in their outfield.  Lee's production is tailing off now that he is 34; he missed the 25 home run 100 RBI plateau for the first time since he has been in Houston.  

He has turned into an overpriced player for his production level and doesn't make up for the average production of Hunter Pence and below average production of Michael Bourn.

Get Fans Excited

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HOUSTON - JULY 09: A young fan holds a sign showing support for Michael Bourn #21 of the Houston Astros going to the All-Star game, during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 9, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Outfielders are often among the most dynamic players on their teams.  Think Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp and Carl Crawford.  These are guys that get the fans excited whether they are at the plate, in the field or on the basepaths.

Selling tickets is an enormous part of the MLB and while Bourn's tremendous speed makes him a fan favorite, Pence and Lee are boring, albeit consistent, players.

Improve Chemistry

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CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 28: Edinson Volquez #36 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on against the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park on September 28, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 3-2 to clinch the NL Central Division title. (Photo by Joe Ro

The Astros have been mediocre for so long that it has to be grating in the clubhouse.  Mediocrity breeds contempt, I believe the old saying goes.

A breath of fresh air into the outfield would go a long way towards changing the culture in Houston and improving team chemistry.

Improve Versatility

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CHICAGO - JULY 21: Michael Bourn #21 and Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros celebrate a win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Astros defeated the Cubs 4-3 in 12 innings. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Im

Houston's outfield is full of specialists.  Michael Bourn is a  speed specialist.  Carlos Lee is a fast-aging power specialist.

Hunter Pence is the closest thing the team has to a balanced guy as far as speed, fielding and hitting; but his caught stealings are abnormally high for a baserunner who runs as seldom as he does.

Build Reputation From Within

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HOUSTON - JUNE 03: Carlos Lee #45 of the Houston Astros is congratluated at home plate after hitting a two run home run to left field in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park on June 3, 2010 in Houston, Texas

The most popular players in the league are the ones who stay with the team from the draft to the big leagues.  

Fans have the time to bond with the players from Class-A on through the minors.  By the time a player reaches the bigs, the fans know his story and feel like they are on a journey with him.

Increasing fan interest is essential to improving a team.  Full stadiums feed players's emotions, and adrenaline can lead to an extra win here and there.

Improves Rest of Team

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HOUSTON - MAY 19: Left fielder Carlos Lee #45 of the Houston Astros avoids colliding with Michael Bourn #21 as he holds onto the ball against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park on May 19, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

By improving the outfield, the Astros can improve the rest of their team too.  Added power production and baserunning ability will not only set up runners on the basepaths, but also allow for the improved outfielders to bat in more runners.

The whole team will improve with increased versatility in the outfield.

Change For Change's Sake (Jumble It All Up)

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HOUSTON - AUGUST 19: Left fielder Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros makes a sliding catch in front of center fielder Michael Bourn on a short fly ball hit by Jeff Francoeur of the New York Mets for the final out at Minute Maid Park on August 19, 2010

The Astros haven't made the playoffs since their miracle 2005 World Series run.  At some point, it's time to cut the team loose and start over, simply to change things up.

The Astros just need to make a few changes to change the culture around the organization, and the aging outfield is a good place to start.

Increase Attendance

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HOUSTON - APRIL 20: Jeff Keppinger #8 of the Houston Astros receives a high five from Michael Bourn after the Houston Astros defeated the Florida Marlins 7-5 at Minute Maid Park on April 20, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Beyond winning, the goal of most baseball teams is to turn a profit.  A younger outfield can help the Astros out by becoming more dynamic.  

Young, dynamic player can sometimes draw fans to a park even if the team isn't very good.

Save Money

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CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 28: Carlos Lee #45 of the Houston Astros hits a ball that would have been a home run but was caught above the outfield wall by Drew Stubbs of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 28, 2010 in Cincinnati, O

Carlos Lee used to be a very good player.  A six-year $100 million good player?  Probably not. But good nonetheless.

The simple fact of the matter is, the Astros outfielders are not as good as they are being paid.  

A reduced cap figure can allow the Astros to invest in other positions that can help the team win.