The Houston Astros begin their 2012 season at home against the Rockies on Friday, April 6. It's their last year in the National League and they can't perform any worse than their 56-106 record last year. I feel really good about some of their top prospects in the minor leagues. Jonathan Singleton (6'2,215) is only 20 years old and he's going to be a long-term fixture at first base once he's called up. 18-year-old Ariel Ovando (6'4, 190) is something special to watch in the outfield and he's going to become a five-tool player. I can't wait until the 2012 MLB Draft on June 4 when the Astros will be selecting first overall.

I look forward to the arrival of you guys to the AL West.

The Astros will be making a new uniform and logo change to accommodate their move to the American League West in 2013. So this is going to be the last year for a lot of things. I'm excited about the DH because I was never a fan of pitchers having to hit in the National League. It will be fun to keep an aging slugger on the roster just to extend their career. Our lineup is weak right now but hopefully it will look a lot better in the near future.

already have carlos lee

perfect transition

That's what I was thinking. He can play longer if he only has to DH. Way too slow in left field and he played half the games at first base last year.

Spring Training was fun when the Astros had the future right side of their infield on display. 19-year-old Delino DeShields Jr. at second base and 20-year-old Jonathan Singleton at first base. Both were already sent back down to the minors but seem to be on the fast track to the big leagues. These two guys were drawing in some big crowds. Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio were at camp helping both of them and that's like seeing the past and future on the same field.

I also like what I saw from outfielder George Springer. He reminds me a lot of Hunter Pence but the kid is so raw and young. Although nobody can touch 18-year-old Ariel Ovando. This guy is the best outfield prospect the Astros have right now. A complete five-tool player. I almost think the Astros are better off letting the young kids play at the big league level instead of the guys they've got right now. Nobody is going to pay their hard-earned money to see the Jack Cust's of the world.

Pitching wise, Paul Clemens and Jarred Cosart were looking sharp. Houston sent Clemens back down to the minors even though it's apparent he's got one of the most lively arms in the organization. Jarred Cosart will be our future ace in another year or two. I'm ready for the first pick in June's draft when the Astros will add another young and talented arm in Stanford's Mark Appel. I honestly see a Cosart, Appel and Clemens top three in the starting rotation in the near future.

I'm thinking 2014 or 2015 when the Astros will be loaded with a young and exciting roster at the Major League level. Right now it's just a matter of letting these talented prospects age. Houston has a bright future ahead but the tough part is waiting. Hopefully they can trade away the few good veterans they have left this season.

This post was edited by Madmartigan on Mar 20 2012 06:47am

Astros acquire 23-year-old left-handed pitching prospect Kevin Chapman from the Royals.

http://houston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/20/astros-amidst-trade-rumors/


All the reports of this trade must be true because Quintero's ESPN.com page already has him wearing a Royals uniform. As does Jason Bourgeois' ESPN.com player page. Even if Kevin Chapman doesn't pan out, it's not like the Astros gave up much for him. I consisder it a win-win situation for the Astros.

That trades makes me very happy. A 32-year-old catcher and a 30-year-old journeyman outfielder for a 23-year-old electric arm that is a lefty to boot. These are the type of acquisitions that only help the future of the ball club. His minor league numbers weren't that impressive from an ERA standpoint but he posted a solid K-rate and many believe he is a future set-up man or closer at the MLB level. Right now we're using Brett Myers as closer, who I expect to be traded some time this season along with Wandy Rodriguez.

Here's a quick scouting report on Kevin Chapman by the Royal Revival. A lot of Kansas City fans are upset with this trade.

"Just look at Chapman's K-rates and tell me there isn't back end of the bullpen upside. Chapman has never posted a K/9 below 10, and his career mark is 12.4. Granted, Chapman has struggled with command, but despite that he has maintained a K/BB over 3, while allowing less than a HR/9. Obviously the Royals want to see Chapman to continue to improve his command, but even if he were to fail to do so, he still could be a solid big league reliever."

A couple of recent tweets by one of the KC Royal bloggers...

@michaelengel yeah I'm not worked up over it, but just wonder if cost had to be that high. 14 minutes ago
Obviously, I don't know the market but surely there were similar guys available to Quintero that would've Cost less than Chapman + a ptbnl 14 minutes ago
@michaelengel: Meh. Dont really like trading Chapman for a rental catcher and 30 yo OF. Hmph.” exactly. 17 minutes ago

This post was edited by Madmartigan on Mar 20 2012 03:35pm

Friday: April 6, 2012 - Colorado at Houston - 7:05 PM Eastern
Jeremy Guthrie (0-0, 0.00) versus Wandy Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00)

Saturday: April 7, 2012 - Colorado at Houston - 7:05 PM Eastern
Jamie Moyer (0-0, 0.00) versus Bud Norris (0-0, 0.00)

Sunday: April 8, 2012 - Colorado at Houston - 2:05 PM Eastern
Juan Nicasio (0-0, 0.00) versus J.A. Happ (0-0, 0.00)

I'm looking forward to the opening three-game series over the weekend. It's going to be a long 2012 season for the Astros but one that I'll enjoy. Another 106-loss season really wouldn't bother me too much because it would be a nice farewell to the National League for a team that has never won a World Series before. I'm only being sarcastic but hopefully they'll do some good things this year.

It's going to be really weird seeing Brett Myers coming out of the bullpen as the new closer. If he ever has any save opportunities, LOL. I think Wandy Rodriguez will set the tone for a good season on Opening Night. Ironically enough, it's the Rockies that have the most trading interest in him or at least they did last year. I guess now they have the ageless lefty in Moyer and no longer need Wandy. If he puts up good numbers this year he may land the Astros one or two good prospects before the non-waiver trading deadline in late July.

This post was edited by Madmartigan on Apr 3 2012 06:16am

I'm watching the Astros and White Sox exhibition game. Chris Johnson is making a lot of strides at third base for the Astros.

how i would imagine this thread will be like for you