2009 Houston Astros

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Drayton McLane Makes Big Move, Hires Brand New General Manager
Houston Chronicle

After three years of serving as the Houston Astros general manager, Tim Purpura, has been reassigned to a new posistion of Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations. The Astros chose to reassign Purpura, mostly because the needs of the current Astros team. "The team is getting older with the likes of Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada, Mike Hampton, and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, we thought we needed to head in a different direction, not only with the players but managers as well. With that thought in mind, we have hired 22 year old Mike Woods." accoring to Drayton McLane. Woods, a 22 Year Old, fresh out of college has been said to be the next of many great, great baseball minds.

When asked what his first move as Houston Astros General Manager would be, he replied "For now, I have decided the best thing for this organization would be for me to be not only the General Manager but the on field manager as well. I know many will see this as a somewhat confusing move but in the end Drayton and I beleive it's what best to move towards the future. I will begin the season with little movement as I see now, the pitching staff and lineup for the upcoming season will be announced in the upcoming days. In my stay as the Astros Manager and General Manager, I want to be fan and media friendly an be as open to everyone as I can be."

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Astros announce Lineups, Rotation
Houston Chronicle

With the season only days away, Houston Manager and General Manager, Mike Woods, has done as promised and been very open with us when we have asked him any and every question. We recently went to him with regards to as what the rotation is going to look like other than the perenial opening day starter Roy Oswalt. Woods' Response: "Well, i'm going to up front with you guys and our team, the current rotation is average at best and that is probably being too nice. We currently have all of our hopes of the pitching staff tied into Roy Oswalt, as everyone knows. Behind him we have Mike Hampton, we can't seem to stay healthy and this year, we are really going to need him to step up his preparation and durability in order for us to have even a remote chance at doing well. After Mike we have Wandy Rodriguez, whom we are expecting semi big things out of. Wandy is a 30 year old lefty, who is coming off of a season where he went 9-7 with a 3.54 ERA. After Wandy we have two huge question marks in Russ Ortiz and Brian Moehler. Our scouts have told me Moehler is much better off in the pen, but we really have nothing else to put in the fifth spot, so hopefully we will skip him as much as we can in order to keep him in the bullpen, where he is much better off."

The lineup this year is mostly the same with Berkman, Tejada, Lee, Pence, Matsui, and Keppinger being in the lineup everyday no matter who is pitching against the 'Stros. Some are probably wondering "Where is Pudge?!" and that is the exact question we asked Mr. Woods. "Well Pudges age is getting up there and we need to start grooming someone to take over for him. With that being said we have decided to star J.R. Towles against right handers and Pudge vs lefties. We need to see what J.R. can give us day in and day out in order to decide what we have to at this posistion in the near future. I'm very intrigued to see what this guy can do for us. We also are going to be splitting time in centerfield between Michael Bourn and Jason Michaels. Bourn, the lefthander, will be playing against righties, while Michaels will hit against the lefties. We are going to have Bourn lead-off for us because of his great speed and base running abilities."

Against Righties:

1. Michael Bourn
2. Miguel Tejada
3. Lance Berkman
4. Carlos Lee
5. Hunter Pence
6. Jeff Keppinger
7. Kaz Matsui
8. J.R. Towles

Against Lefties:

1. Jeff Keppinger
2. Kaz Matsui
3. Lance Berkman
4. Carlos Lee
5. Hunter Pence
6. Jason Michaels
7. Miguel Tejada
8. Ivan Rodriguez

Rotation/Bullpen:

1. Roy Oswalt
2. Mike Hampton
3. Wandy Rodriguez
4. Russ Ortiz
5. Brian Moehler

Closer: Jose Valverde
Set-up Men: Doug Brocail/Tim Byrdak
Middle Relief: Wesley Wright/Geoff Geary/LaTroy Hawkins
Mop-Up: Yorman Bazardo

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Astros start season at home against Cubs
Houston Chronicle

A very anticipated start to the 2009 season is almost upon us. Not only will it be Mike Woods' first game as Houston General Manager but his first as manager as well. The Astros will begin the season at home in a series against the heated rival Chicago Cubs. When asked about the Cubs this is what Woods had to say "Well, I won't go out and see I dis-like the Cubs, but it's nice to play a rival right out of the gates, kind of gets our feet wet early, and with a good series we can see ourselves in first early. Seeing ourselves up there can bring confidence, when you have the confidence, anything can happen. I'm glad we start the season against mostly NL Central teams, in fact 16 of 19 games in April are against the NL Central, with the exception being a series against LA. We get to see what every team has early on, that can do wonders if we can get out of the gate hot, but we could shoot ourselves in the foot if we stumble out of the gate. It's all going to depend on how well we pitch and how well we defend. Our hitting will be there with Berkman, Lee, Pence, and Miggy. We just have to find ways to stop the opponent from scoring at will."

Roy Oswalt is going to be on the mound opening day for the Stros as he has been the Astros best pitcher for years now. Oswalt is coming off a second half last season where he started 13 games with an era of 2.42 so hopefully he can start off where he left off last season. Since he joined the big leagues in 2001, Oswalt leads all Major League pitchers with 129 wins. In that time, he ranks third in ERA and is seventh in winning percentage. His .668 overall career winning percentage ranks first in Astros history, and his 3.13 ERA also is the best in club history among pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched. Oswalt has had double-digit win totals in all eight of his Major League seasons, including 20-win seasons in 2004 and 2005. Among players who began their careers after 1957, Oswalt is the sixth-fastest to 100 in terms of appearances among pitchers. Oswalt had this to say about his opening day start "It's an honor to go out there and pitch on opening day, always one of the biggest thrills of the season for me, the only thing I hope for is I don't go out there and pitch horribly. Hopefully all goes well and we start the season off on the right note. The Cubs have some very good hitters, so I'll have to be on my game from the get go."

Series Pitching Matchups:
Game One: Roy Oswalt (N/A) Vs. Rich Harden (N/A)
Game Two: Mike Hampton (N/A) Vs. Ryan Dempster (N/A)
Game Three Wandy Rodriguez (N/A) Vs. Carlos Zambrano (N/A)

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April 6th, Season Opener, Game One of Three Vs. Cubs
Roy Oswalt (N/A) Vs. Rich Harden (N/A)

Like I had said before we began play this season, pitching is going to be key for us. Roy, just didn't have his stuff working for him tonight. The scoring for the Cubs started early, with an RBI Triple by Milton Bradley in the first. They would add on four more after a hanging curve was desposited into the short porch in left, for a Grand Slam by Geovany Soto, making it 5-0 Cubs in the third. The Cubs would add two more on a 2-Run Homerun by Aramis Ramiez, also spelling the end of the line for Roy. The Cubs would add another before the Astros would score their only run of the game on an RBI Double J.R. Towles plating Hunter Pence, who Doubled to leadoff the inning.

Final Score: 9-1, Cubs

Astro Batting Stats:
Miguel Tejada, 2-3, BB
Hunter Pence, 1-4, 2B, K
Jeff Keppinger, 1-4, 2 K's
J.R. Towles, 1-4, 2B, 2 K's

Astro Pitching Stats:
Roy Oswalt, L (0-1), 5.1 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's, 2 HR
Yorman Bazardo, 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, K
Latroy Hawkins, 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 K's

Player Of The Game:
Rich Harden: W (1-0), 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K's

Season Records: Astros (0-1), Cubs (1-0)

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April 7th, Game Two of Three Vs. Cubs
Mike Hampton (N/A) Vs. Ryan Dempster (N/A)

What a great start to the year for Mike Hampton, who gave the Astro's Seven Shutout innings in his first start of the season. Hampton was brilliant on the mound and even got backed up by a little offense as the Astro's as a team collected nine hits. The Astro offense was supplied by two men, Jeff Keppinger and J.R. Towles. Keppinger collected his first two Doubles on the year and scored Hunter Pence both times, while J.R. Towles had a Sac Fly and an RBI Single that scored Jeff Keppinger. All in all the Astros would shut out the Cubs on this night by the final score of 4-0. The Cub offense collected 5 hits, one of which was the a Double by Milton Bradley.

Final Score: 4-0, Astros

Astro Batting Stats:
Michael Bourn, 1-4, 2 K's
Carlos Lee, 1-4, 2 K's
Hunter Pence, 2-3, 2 R, BB
Jeff Keppinger, 2-4, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, GIDP
Kaz Matsui, 2-4
J.R. Towles, 1-2, 2 RBI, Sac Fly, 1 K

Astro Pitching Stats:
Mike Hampton, W (1-0), 7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K's
Wesley Wright, 1 IP, 2 K's
Doug Brocail, 1 IP, 1 H, 1 K

Players Of The Game : Jeff Keppinger and Mike Hampton

Season Records: Astros (1-1), Cubs (1-1)

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Astro's Lose Star Shortstop
Houston Chronicle

Last night, the Houston Astro's collected their first win of the season and evened out their season record at 1-1, but at what cost? Miguel Tejada had to be removed from the game during the sixth after ranging to his left and throwing out a runner at first. "You could tell he was in some serious pain", said his Double Play partner Kaz Matsui. Tejada immediately went to the ground grabbing his throwing shoulder as the trainers and manager Mike Woods rushed onto the field.

Miguel was able to walk off on his own power but X-Rays and MRI revealed possibly the worst news for the 34 Year Old Shortstop. Miguel has suffered a torn labrum according to manager Mike Woods. "We're going to be without Miguel for the next 12-14 weeks, it's a big loss to our team but someone is going to have to step in and pick up the slack."

When asked who the replacement would be Woods had this to say "Right now, we are purely looking at internal options, nothing is set in stone as of now and the current guys we have at the ML level that could take his place are Jason Smith, who replaced Tejada after the injury and Geoff Blum. We will have further information on the replacement before today's game against the Cubs.

Tejada had started the season off 2-5, and OBP of .500%. The loss could be astronomical to Houston as the system currently doesn't seem to have anyone who could put up even average numbers at the posistion. Could this be the spot where Mike Woods, puts his first stamp on the team and goes out to acquire a starting short stop? We'll see but for now, what do some readers think Woods should. sit tight and wait the three months, trade for a short stop to play the three months, or is it time the find their long term plan at short? Any particular idea on players? This will be the interactive side of the dynasty.

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April 8th, Game Three of Three Vs. Cubs
Wandy Rodriguez (N/A) Vs. Carlos Zambrano (N/A)

In the final game of a three game set the Astro's came out collecting two runs in the first on an RBI Double from Hunter Pence, his second on the season. Unfortunately this would be the lone bright spot on the night for Astro's because in the third inning, the injury bug struck Houston again. This time it had hit Astro third basemen Jeff Keppinger. Keppinger, had to be removed from the game and is to be examined tonight and we should have further news soon. Keppinger,would be replaced by Jason Smith but Smith would shift to short, while Blum, who started for the injuried Tejada went over to third. At this point Houston still owned a 2-0 lead. It would stay that way until the fifth when Aramis Ramirez went yard for a Three Run Homerun scoring Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Theriot. The Stros would tie it up in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI Single by Kaz Matsui, scoring J.R. Towles.That would be the final tally for the club however. In the top of the sixth the Cubs would take the lead for good on a 2 RBI Single by Ryan Theriot. The Cubs would score two more runs on an RBI Single by Aramis Ramirez and an RBI Double by Derek Lee, giving the Cubs a 7-3 lead. The Cubs would hold onto their 7-3 lead and defeat the Astro's and win the first series of the year.

Final Score: 7-3, Cubs

Astro Batting Stats:
Kaz Matsui, 3-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
Lance Berkman, 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Hunter Pence, 1-4, 2 RBI, 2B, 2 K's
J.R. Towles, 1-3, R
Wandy Rodriguez, 1-1, SAC

Astro Pitching Stats:
Wandy Rodriguez, L (0-1), 6 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's, 1 HR
Wesley Wright, 1 IP, K
Geoff Geary, 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER
Jose Valverde, 1 IP, 1 H, K

Player Of The Game : Ryan Theriot, 3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2B, 1 BB, K

Season Records: Astros (1-2), Cubs (2-1)

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Keppinger News Encouraging, Astro's Sign Infielder.
Houston Chronicle

The injury bug continues to hit the Astro's but this time it isn't as bad. Jeff Keppinger will miss at least the next 6 days with a tender elbow. Woods had this to say about the injury "Jeff, could be tomorrow if we needed him too. It's early in the season though, we're going to give him the time off until he is 100% ready to play again."

In the midst of their entire left side of the infield being injuried the past two games, the Astro's have signed utility infield Brandon Fahey, and promoted him to the major leagues. Wood's, "Brandon will be starting immediately, mostly at short stop while Geoff Blum, shifts from short to third. We feel Brandon can put up some decent numbers for us while we wait for both Jeff and Miguel to get back. This doesn't mean we are still not looking for a shortstop, just means we have a guy we feel can produce somewhat while we search."

The Astro's will be traveling to St. Louis, after tomorrow's off day to take on the Cardinals in a three game set. The Astro's will send Russ Ortiz, Roy Oswalt, and Mike Hampton to the mound in another NL Central battle to begin the season. The Cardinals come into the series at 1-3, after losing three of four to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Astro's will look to get a little run started now, headed out on a 6 game, 7 day road trip to St. Louis and Pittsburgh.

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April 10th, Game One of Three Vs. St. Louis
Russ Ortiz (N/A) Vs. Joel Pineiro (N/A)

Top First: Michael Bourn, digs in to lead off and he continues to make Astro fans wish he was never born (Kidding of course) as he strikes out for the fifth time in thirteen at bats. Matsui and Berkman decide striking out is great as well, we go down 1-2-3 K!

Bottom First: Nothing exciting going on for St. Louis either as 3 ground outs on eleven pitches ends their half of the first.

Top Second: Carlos Lee, continues to impress lowering his batting average to .083 on the season. As, Lee heads to the dugout cheering because his batting average keeps getting lower and lower, Lance Berkman reminds him the higher the better for batting average, citing his .143 average on the year.. Hunter Pence (Underpants, if said fast) and Geoff Blum make it 5 of 6 for Pineiro as he strikes them out on 7 pitches.

Bottom Second: Rick Ankiel leads off with a single, that anyone other than the 300 pound left fielder that we have would of caught. Ryan Ludwick, then singles to center making it first and second with 1 out. Ortiz, manages to get the ground out he needs but Geoff BUM, I mean Blum, can only get one as his throw to second was wide, making it first and third with 2 outs. No harm done, Ortiz gets another groundball to Berkman to end the threat.

Top Third: Fahey, fits perfect with the team as he goes down looking, as does J.R. Towles. Figures, our first hit would come off the bat of Russ Ortiz, a 2 out Double. Bourn, then singles but with the pitcher running no runs are scored, leaving it up to Kaz, but he flies out.

Bottom Third: Russ Ortiz makes quick work of Joel Pineiro, Colby Rasmus and Skip Schumaker with 2 ground outs and a fly out to left.

Top Fourth: Berkman and "El Caballo", continue to compete for worst batting average. Lee, continues to suck more with his .077 batting average, as he flies out to the left, on a ball he would have never been able to get to as it went 2 feet to the left of the left fielder, Ludwick.

Bottom Fourth: Another three up, 3 down inning for Russ Ortiz.

Top Fifth: Blum, leads the inning off with a single to left, his first of the season. Nothing comes of it though, as we can't get a damn single with anyone when we need it!

Bottom Fifth: Another quick inning as St. Louis only manages a single and three ground outs.

Top Sixth: I wonder when this team will collect it's first homerun? The furthest ball hit this inning was pop up to short from Kaz Matsui.

Bottom Sixth: Inning starts with another ground out to short by Colby Ramus, then a walk to Skip, bring up Albert. I'm going to take a guess that he tags a 1 out bomb. Hmm he struck out and is 0-3 today, maybe it is our day?? And then I spoke to early as a walk to Ankiel and a Three Run Homerun by Khalil Greene makes it 3-0, Cardinals after 6.

Top Seventh: We have nine outs left, lets see how fast we can get them. Three ground outs that inning, including another one from Carlos Lee, wow does he suck or what?

Bottom Seventh: We start to get the bullpen going as Tim Byrdak and Doug Brocail begin to loosen. Neither are needed that inning as Russ Ortiz, continues to cruise.

Top Eighth: After two outs in the inning, Ortiz, is lifted for pinch hitter Darin Erstad. All he can do is strike out though..

Bottom eighth: Tim Byrdak, makes his season debut. He promptly gives up a leadoff double to Colby Rasmus. Well we know Byrdak sucks as he gives up an RBI Single to Skip Schumaker. We quickly remove him from the game and bring in Doug Brocail.He cleans things up and now we need 4 runs in the top half of the ninth, highly doubt that one..

Top Ninth: We don't score anything and Berkman continues to suck mightily at the dish.

Season Records: Astros, (1-3) Cardinals, (2-3)

Astro's Batting Stats:
Michael Bourn, 1-4, K
Geoff Blum, 1-3, K
Russ Ortiz, 1-2, 2B

Astro's Pitching Stats:
Russ Ortiz, (0-1), 7 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's
Tim Byrdak, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER
Doug Brocail, 1 IP

Player of the Game: Joel Pineiro, 9 IP, 3 H, 8 K's

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April 11th, Game Two of Three Vs. St. Louis
Roy Oswalt (0-1, 11.81 ERA) Vs. Chris Carpenter (1-0, 4.50 ERA)

The Astro four run second inning was all it would take in this one, as Roy Oswalt was simply dominate all game. Oswaltwent 8 1/3 innings allowing 6 hits and 1 run, which was a solo home run by Rick Ankiel in the fourth inning. Mike Woods had this to say about Oswalt's performance, "He was magnificant out there, he controlled the game from the start. It was nice to see him rebound after his rough outing to begin the year. These are the type of games we expect from Roy. If we want to have a chance this year, Oswalt is going to need to keep this up, certainly a great outing by our best."

The offense was ignited in the second inning a 2-Run Single by Michael Bourn and a 2-Run Double by Kaz Matsui. "Our offense, isn't performing at the level we expect it to. We needed to step up and tonight we got the hits when the counted." said Matsui. While the team put up four runs tonight, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee continue to struggle. This season Lance and Carlos are a combined 2-35 and neither have an average above .100. "They'll figure it out, we're not worried. Their professionals, we all go through slumps. These guys will work through it and be right back at it soon, you can count on that." said Woods.

Tomorrow night will be game three of the series between the Astros and Cardinals. The probably pitching match-up is set to be Mike Hampton against Adam Wainwright. Lets hope Hampton can pick up where he left off last outing and give the Astro's their first winning streak of the season.

Season Records: Astros: (2-3), Cardinals: (2-4)

Astro's Batting Stats:
Michael Bourn, 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB
Kaz Matsui, 1-5, 2 RBI
Hunter Pence, 2-4
Brandon Fahey, 1-4, 1 R
J.R. Towles, 1-4, 1 R

Astro's Pitching Stats:
Roy Oswalt, W (1-1), 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's
Jose Valverde, SV (1)