Houston Astros: 3 Reasons the Astros Don't Stand a Chance in the NL Central

The Houston Astros are currently in last place in the NL Central. They are 10 games back from the division-leading Reds, and things aren't looking good. 

Houston is riding a three-game losing streak, and in the last month they are 10-17. They are also 2-8 in their last 10. That's just sad. 

Two late-inning losses to the Atlanta Braves have proven why this team just doesn't have it.

The Astros used to be such a dominant force in the NL Central, but lately, things have been headed downhill.

The future looks bright now that Jim Crane is purchasing the team from Drayton McLane. However, that has no affect on them this season.

The Astros just don't have what it takes to compete in the NL Central.   

1. Scoring

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HOUSTON - MAY 11: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Bill Hall, left and Brett Wallace #29 after knocking in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2011 in Houston,

The Houston Astros have the worst run differential in the National League and the second-worst in the majors at minus-47.

The Astros rank 16th in the league in scoring at 172, but are dead last in runs allowed with 219. They have to find ways to put runs on the board more often. 

A Major League Baseball team won't get very far if it can't score and can't prevent other teams from scoring. 

Hunter Pence is doing his part, but he's pretty much the only one. Pence is fifth in the league in RBI, but nobody else on the team really contributes in that area.

The offense must step it up since the pitching is slacking. I'm afraid that just isn't going to happen. The team doesn't have enough depth to help them this season, and you can blame the management for that.   

2. Pitching

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KISSIMMEE, FL - MARCH 01: Brandon Lyon #37 of the Houston Astros pitches during a Spring Training game against the Atlanta Braves at Osceola County Stadium on March 1, 2011 in Kissimmee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Houston Astros are the worst pitching staff in the National league and the second-worst staff in the majors. This pitching unit is downright awful. 

With a team ERA of 4.87, the Astros won't be improving on a 15-27 record anytime soon. Brett Myers is listed as No. 1 on the depth chart, but he has been atrocious this season. Myers has an ERA of 4.79 and a 1-3 record. 

Bud Norris has been the bright spot on the team, but when his team doesn't give him run support, it's hard to win consistently giving up three runs per game. 

Houston is the easiest team to hit. Their opponents' batting average is .282, which is the best in the league. Or worst, if you're the Astros. 

3. Division Opponents

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CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 14: Brandon Phillips #4 of the Cincinnati Reds turns a double play over Tyler Greene #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on May 14, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Cardinals 7-3. (Photo by Joe Ro

The NL Central is a very good division. The Houston Astros are currently in last place, 10 games behind the leader. 

The Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals will soon run away with this division. Yes, the Astros made a nice comeback last year and turned things around. They went from worst to fourth, but that still isn't going to cut it. 

The Astros are finished. They simply cannot hang with the Reds, Cardinals and Brewers.