Batting Order: The Astros feature a lethal lineup, especially with speedy power hitters like Everett and Bagwell at the top of the order. Alou, Hidalgo, and Ward provide a ton of home run potential in the middle of the line-up. While the bottom third dips in the on-base department, both Downs and Lowrie have solid charts and should knock a few out of the ballpark. This offense may go through dry spells where they can't get a chart, but the major expectation is for astronomical offensive production.
Rotation: On the plus side, their top and bottom starters are essentially equivalent, giving them extreme balance 1 thru 4. On the negative, their top starter is a tier 3 with a low control. Due to the great, power hitting lineups featured in Seattle, Los Angeles, and especially Texas, the Astros rotation could get pummeled frequently. A high-risk gamble with 3 controls could lead to a surprise playoff berth too, but the odds say otherwise.
Bullpen: Houston features the most pedestrian of the Billy Wagner cards (anyone remember that C6, on at 18 card in 2004? Whoa!), but Mark Melancon and Wilton Lopez are both solid relievers that should support Wagner effectively. Cabrera may have an awful chart, but with a high control, he's a very cost effective way to eat up innings in blow-outs or major deficits.
Overall: The Astros are unfortunately built for other AL West teams to take advantage of. They face high OB teams with low controls and may depend too much on the long ball to win the tight games. Probably an ace away from contention, especially in this tough division.
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