There isn’t much to say about the Houston Astros 2012 campaign. They just flat out aren’t any good.
Pitchers- When your record is as bad as the Astros was; the pitching stats won’t be there. This is the case with the Astros in 2012. The staff had a few bright spots in starter Lucas Harrell and end of year closer, Wilton Lopez. Harrell led the team in wins with 11 and innings with over 190. Harrell took the next step in 2012 after spending years in the minor leagues. In Lopez’s last ten appearances in 2012, he sported a 0.77 ERA collected 8 saves. This is very impressive for a guy who only had one save in his career entering the season.
Infield- At only 5’5” Jose Altuve entered the season as a little known youngster and left the season as the Astros lone All-Star and best player. Altuve put up great numbers with a .290 average and an astounding 33 stolen bases. Going forward, Altuve is someone for Houston to build around up the middle. Shortstop Jed Lowrie was also a bright spot for the Astros. Although only playing in 97 games on the season, Lowrie was impressive when healthy. Corner infielders Brett Wallace and Chris Johnson were asked to fill big roles after the trade of Carlos Lee. Both Johnson and Wallace have shown flashes of what the Astros are hoping for but yet are still lacking the consistency that the Astros need.
Outfield- J.D. Martinez and Jason Maxwell led the Astros in RBIs with 55 and 53 respectively. Both of these guys could have a bright future if they are able to stay healthy. The Astros are really hurting and some consistency in the lineup from these two guys could be a huge help. Maxwell was the elder statesmen in the outfield at age 28. This group is full of young guys who did not have enough experience to make an impact in 2012 for the Astros.
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| After this past season, this might be the only Astros fan left. Associated Press (Pat Sullvan) |
As a transplanted Houstonian, I can tell you that they suck as bad in person as on television. One positive, is that for $4 tickets (you can literally walk up to the lower level) is cheap entertainment.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when visiting teams come into town. But the team is as bad as they look on paper and it will take a while to compete...even in the American League next year.
Joining the American League West, arguably the best division in baseball, will be no picnic to get the Astros back to Killer B days.
DeleteI lot of fans are unhappy. I wouldn't exactly label Houston a "baseball town" to begin with and it will hurt them to be in a division with mostly West Coast teams.
DeleteAre fans really going to want to stay up to watch a late September game in Seattle, Oakland or Los Angeles when the starting time is 9:00pm CT?
Then again, Dallas doesn't seem to have a problem with the time zone difference so we'll see. If the product on the field is good, people will probably tune in but right now they are terrible
How do you believe the hiring of Bo Porter and the addition of Lin from the Red Sox will affect the team next year in the AL West?
ReplyDeleteThis will be discussed in the winter as we preview the upcoming 2013 season.
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