Astros Report 4/13/2003

ASTROS OFF TO A STRONG START

The Astros matched their best start through 9 games by starting the season 7-2. So far the bullpen has been very dominant with one of the best ERAs in the National League. This welcome surprise along with good starting pitching and some clutch hitting has allowed the Stros to win the close games. The offense however has not been as dominant as productive as expected, partly due to Berkman’s slump. When the offense heats up this team will be hard to stop.

MORE YOUNG GUNS

The Astros have two young additions to the rotation to start the season. Tim Redding, who has had chances before but has been unable to produce at the big league level, and Jeriome Robertson, the sole lefty in the starting rotation. Although Robertson struggled in his first start, that is only to be expected from a young pitcher. He showed that he belongs in the rotation by pitching a great game his next start out, giving up only 1 run on 2 hits in 7 innings while getting 8 strikeouts. Redding seems to have finally adjusted to the majors as well. Although Houston has been unable to get him a win, he has only given up 3 runs total in his first 2 starts. If he can keep his composure and control together, he should be a big asset to the rotation.

LATE INNING CONFIDENCE

A few “experts” saw the Astros bullpen as their weakness coming into the season. However, the bullpen has been very strong to start the season. Octavio Dotel and Billy Wagner are obvious stoppers and the supporting cast has been very solid, keeping the Astros in close games. This has lead to an amazing 4 wins in the last at bat for the Stros. With the bullpen keeping the games close, Astros’ hitters are given the chance to win the close games.

F.I.C LOCAL SPIN

Since Houston is carrying 3 catchers on their roster, Jimy Williams is looking at playing the 3rd stringer Raul Chavez at 3rd base on occasion. This would definitely not be an everyday occurrence. Williams is just looking for ways to give Chavez a little bit of playing time.

To the surprise of many Shane Reynolds was released right before the regular season roster was set. The Astros will go with the two youngsters, Robertson and Redding to fill out the rotation. Houston was apparently worried about Reynolds’ back (which caused him to miss the end of last season). Reynolds also could have earned up to $5 million in incentives that the Astros will not have to pay. However they will have to pay his $1 million base salary and are still over budget.

With the addition of Jeff Kent, Astros fans have high expectations for this season. A poll on theinsiders.com message board shows that 50 percent of fans on the board expect the Stros to win 95-100 games. With the hope of a revived offense fans are optimistic that perhaps the Killer B’s can finally go deep into the playoff.

LATEST TEAM INFO

Biggio is now the NL league leader in leadoff homeruns. He passed Bobby Bonds with his 31st leadoff homer on April 10. Bonds had 30 leadoff homers in the NL and 5 in the AL. Biggio is now 6th overall in the majors.

INJURIES

Vizcaino sprained his ankle in spring training and has been kept out of the lineup to begin the season. He made his first start this last week but is still not 100 percent. Vizcaino is a viable fantasy option anyhow, as he is not a strong hitter and splits time at SS with Julio Lugo.

QUICK VIEW

ADD – Brad Ausmus
Since the catcher position is so shallow some people hurting for a catcher may want to look at Ausmus. Although he won’t continue at the pace he is on, he should put up decent numbers and is definitely worth a spot in an NL league. Keep in mind though that he won’t start when Jeriome Robertson pitches.

ADD – Craig Biggio
If Biggio is a free agent and you are in need of a second baseman, then grab him. This will most likely be his last year of eligibility at 2nd and he has looked strong so far this year.

HOLD – Lance Berkman
If you are a Berkman owner you have to be cringing at his abysmal .167 batting average (through Friday). Berkman is in a horrid slump with no, homers, no RBIs, and no extra base hits. These are certainly not the stats of a first rounder. Just be patient, he showed signs of coming out of it today (Sunday).