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2008 Houston Astros Predictions & Season Preview

New GM Ed Wade wasted no time wheeling and dealing once he got to Houston, bringing in shortstop Miguel Tejada and closer Jose Valvarde. Tejada will improve the offense, but the starting rotation doesn’t look to have much after Roy Oswalt. Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Houston Astros predictions provide his take on the upcoming season.

Starting Rotation/Bullpen

Roy Oswalt is as good as it gets for starting pitching in this league. He has a career record of 112-54 and a career ERA of just 3.07. If any team has two Roy Oswalt’s, they’d be a lock for the World Series. That’s just the problem for Houston. Brandon Backe is Houston’s number two and many don’t even know who this guy is. He worked his way back after Tommy John surgery in 2006, but still may not be 100 percent. Woody Williams is the projected number three and went just 8-15 last season. Wandy Rodriguez couldn’t win on the road to save his life last season and Chris Sampson closes out the top five. He made 19 starts last season, but still must prove that he is worthy of a full-time slot in the rotation.

Jose Valvarde has 47 saves last season for Arizona and he will be among the best in the league again. But Houston likely won’t give him as many opportunities. Oscar Villarreal could be a surprise for the ‘stros. He went 8-1 with a 3.36 ERA in 54 appearances for the Braves in 2006. With only one lefty in the pen (Mark McLemore), the Astros will likely struggle.

Batting Order

Centerfielder Michael Bourn comes over from Philly unproven. The Astros like his speed and defense and think he can be a player. Second baseman Kaz Matsui will be expected to fill Craig Biggio’s big shoes in the two-hole. Miguel Tejada will step right in and complete what is a strong middle of the order. If the Astros can become a contender, Tejada could really be revitalized. First baseman Lance Berkman hit 34 bombs and added 102 RBIs in 2007. I don’t expect anything less from one of the best switch hitters in baseball this year. Carlos Lee earned his money in 2007 with a 32 homerun and 119 RBI year. Rightfielder Hunter Pence looks like a star in the making, maybe that’s why he’s nicknames “The Natural.” He had 17 homeruns and 69 RBIs in 108 games after being called up. Third baseman Ty Wigginton has not taken advantage of the short porch in left the way the Astros thought he would. He’ll bat seventh followed be catch J.R. Towles.

Bringing in a gifted closer and a big stick will help the ‘stros move closer to a division title after winning just 73 games last season. The starting rotation is a major weakness however, and one that Houston won’t be able to overcome.

Jimmy Boyd is coming off the best MLB season of his career in 2007, earning another world handicapping title. Make sure you’re playing with the best in the biz from Opening Day through the playoffs for another huge year of profits with baseball betting.

Odds to win NL Central: 10/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 20/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 60/1

Other Predictions for the 2008 Season:

Updated February 18th, 2008