30 Teams in 30 Days: Houston Astros

Yikes. That will describe this season for the 'Stros - yikes. In a strange side note, I have noticed that Wikipedia has been putting the bullpen catcher under the coaching staff. Really? As much as that's a great position - making $, travelling with the team but not having to play - is that necessary? Anyway, so the Astros have a new Manager in Bo Porter and a totally revamped roster. Revamped as in nobody recognizable outside of clear face of the franchise Jose Altuve. At least you can measure things in Altuves: http://www.howmanyaltuves.com/. Let's take a look....

Starting Lineup
2B Jose Altuve
RF Fernando Martinez
LF JD Martinez
DH Carlos Pena
1B Brett Wallace
CF Justin Maxwell
C   Jason Castro
3B Matt Dominguez
SS Tyler Greene

Yikes again. Altuve's good, at least. This is going to be a rough lineup. The Martinezes are full of 'untapped potential.' I like what JD can do - he really disappointed, though. Pena's just simply a holdover until Jonathan Singleton is ready - I predict he'll be just as awful as last year. Wallace will be given another shot to succeed. Maxwell could be pushed by Rick Ankiel but ultimately just a placeover until George Springer's ready. The bottom of the lineup could be a bit of a surprise, if Castro and Dominguez come through. I like Chris Carter as a 1B/DH against lefties. Stay away from this lineup outside of Altuve....please.

Starting Rotation
SP Lucas Harrell
SP Bud Norris
SP Erik Bedard
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Phil Humber

Lucas Harrell put together a really nice season last year. He's a bright spot. Norris and Bedard have strikeout type stuff but Norris had an inconsistent season and Bedard's never healthy. Lyles and Humber, outside of his perfecto, stunk. At least there is depth: prospect Jarred Cosart, John Ely, Dallas Kuechel, Brad Peacock and Alex White. I'm betting on Ely being a surprise to make the rotation. Stay away from this rotation outside of Harrell....please.

Bullpen
CL Jose Veras
SU Wesley Wright
SU Rhiner Cruz
SU Josh Fields
SU Xavier Cedeno

Yikes thrice. Veras has never closed permanently. Wright had a nice year and I like what Fields can do as a Rule 5 pick - he might be closing relatively soon. Stay away from this bullpen...please.

Rougher than sandpaper. That'll describe this team. I'd take the Yankees AAA team over this....and I think most people would. Easily 100 losses. Return your season tickets, Astros fans. Save yourself the misery.