NEW ASTROS

Geoff Blumm will serve as a Utility Man. He can play the infield but can also play some outfield. He has a good bat comming off the bench and can hit for power. This will be his second stint with the Astros. He was a very popular player his first time around... He will give the Astros bench good depth..





Darin Erstad was a very popular player witht the Angles. He is a very good hitter and plays outfield and first base. He was hurt last year but he can be very productive if he stays healthy this year. He can hit for power, but mostly gappers. Again..good addition to the Astros bench with this guy...




Oscar Villareal will be the best addition to the bullpen the Astros have made. He is very good. He will make the bullpen solid as a setup man or he can also start games if needed. He did very well when he was with the Braves, the Astros are lucky to have him. I can't wait to see him do well....





The new closer for the Astros is Valverde. The Astros traded Chad Qualls, Chris Burke and Juan Gutierrez to get him. Valverde replaces Brad Lidge as the new closer for the team. He is a big addition for the club.






Tejada will make a huge difference in the Astros lineup next year. He is a lot better than Adam Everett. The Astros now have a lineup with a lot of speed and POWER. The only weak spot in the lineup is the starting rotation pitchers.





Doug Brocail will be a verteran presence in the bullpen. Good pickup. He will be able to pitch more than one inning per game. The Astros bullpen is now more solid.








Jose Cruz Jr. will be with the Astros this year. Probably not as a starter but as a pinch hitter comming off the bench. He should provide a lot of punch to the offence.







Kaz Matsui is the Astros new second baseman. He takes over Craig Biggio who has been at second base for 20 years. Kaz is from Japan, good hitter, good speed. He should vastly improve the Astros at the top of the order with bunting and stealing.







Michael Braun is the new Center Fielder for the Astros. He'll be the new lead-off hitter. He is fast so he'll cover a lot of ground in the outfield and be a good base stealer.
Good luck.