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Knowing the competition: Houston Astros

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Jose Altuve is only 5’6, but he does have a .285 career batting average. (Photo courtesy of cbssports.com)

Threat Level: 1
If the Astros win 60 games this season, they will deem it a success. When a team has those kind of standards, it makes everything that happens subjective. The lineup and the pitching staff will likely be in constant flux, as they continue to find and groom young players. Nothing on this team seems to be set in stone and playing time will come to those who play well. They do have some good, talented young players, so there is a feeling of a future for this team, but when that time comes is the question.

 

Major Acquisition: Dexter Fowler
When Dexter Fowler is the biggest move you made in the offseason, then you know the prospects of a winning season ain’t great in 2014. Fowler was traded for Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes. Fowler is a nice player, who should help the woeful ‘Stros, but he won’t be a difference maker.

 

Projected Lineup

1. Dexter Fowler CF
2. Jose Altuve 2B
3. Jason Castro C
4. Chris Carter 1B
5. Marc Krauss DH
6. L.J. Hoes RF
7. Robbie Grossman LF
8. Matt Dominguez 3B
9. Jonathan Villar SS

 

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Scott Feldman RHP
2. Jarred Cosart RHP
3. Jerome Williams RHP
4. Brett Oberholtzer LHP
5. Dallas Keuchel LHP

 

Closer

Jesse Crain RHP

 

Yankee Killer: Scott Feldman
Although his career numbers against the Yankees aren’t great (4.05 ERA in 10 games), his 2013 season was. Signed in the offseason by the Astros, Feldman had a 2.45 ERA against the Yankees in 2013 while playing for the Orioles, striking out 11 in 14.2 innings pitched and only a .82 WHIP.

 

Astro Killer: Hiroki Kuroda
In 8 career starts against Houston, Kuroda is 4-0 with a 1.39 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. In his last 3 starts against them, he is 2-0 with an ERA of 0.00. Yup, no runs in his last 21 innings against the Astros, while striking out 20 along the way. Here’s to hoping the scoreless streak continues through 2014.

 

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 8/19-8/21.

IN Hou: 4/1-4/3 (OPENING SERIES)