Astros Preview

Well this is my first attempt at a blog. I'm just a college kid at Texas A&M living the dream and sleeping when possible (which is more than you'd think). I'm not expecting anybody to actually read this, I just got bored in my English Literature class (like England-english...it's miserable) and thought I'd give this a go. Feel free to comment (can you? I don't know) and call me mean names. It's all good. Anyway, I thought I'd talk about the upcoming Astros baseball season today and give ya'll a little preview of what might come. So here we go...I'll start with who I think will lead the team in some various categories.

• Average: Pence - .294. Not great but I think he'll improve a little from last year. And I don't think there's anyone that'll do any better.
• Home Runs: Pence - 26. You'll soon realize I really like Hunter, although I don't think he has what it takes to be a franchise player. And who else is gonna contend for this? Carlos? Not unless eating burritos and announcing plans to retire two years early count as home runs this season.
• RBIs: Pence - 112. Again, I just don't see who else could contend. If Chris Johnson gets hot again then maybe. If Carlos gets younger and skinnier, then maybe. But don't hold your breath.
• Stolen Bases: Bourn - 62. I think he'll continue to develop as a hitter and get on base a little more. Also, he's really fast.
• OPB: Pence - .352. Let's be honest, he's the best player on the team. I'm hoping Keppinger will produce like he did last year and if he does, he could very well lead the team here but I think Pence's batting average will increase a little from last year and discipline will be a little better.
• Lowest Average: Barmes - .241. I'm reserving this for position players only because obviously pitchers will have lower averages. I think best case scenario, Barmes tops out at .260 this season. Another example of a great pick-up by the ever-knowledgeable Ed Wade. 
• Slowest Outfiender: Carlos Lee. The only race he'd win is who will announce their plans to retire two years in advance first. Or who could eat their own body weight in funnel cakes first. He'd win those.
• Fattest Player : Carlos Lee. His bio says he's 265 lbs. Hah. Yeah, and Ed Wade is a good GM. With a little more effort and drive, I think Carlos could hit 320 lbs. this season.
• Most GIDPs: Carlos Lee. You can probably tell I don't really think Mr. Lee is gonna help us out very much this year. Anyway, I'm putting this at 63. You know, that's assuming he makes contact 63 times this season and doesn't just whiff everytime.
• Wins: Wandy - 14. I think he'll have a solid season but very little run production isn't gonna help. Still, I'd be happy if Wandy gets to 14+.
• ERA: Wandy - 3.61. Myers had a great year last year with his quality start streak, and I think he'll be solid again this year, but I like Wandy being a southpaw and signing a new contract to have a really good year. He's a #2 pitcher on other teams, but he'll be the most reliable guy we have this year barring injury, so we'll have to make due.
• Losses (Most): Rowland - Smith - 11. He went 1-10 last year with Seattle so I don't know why moving to Houston would help other than he gets to face NL teams. It's not like our potent offense is gonna keep him in games. 
• Most overvalued: Carlos Lee. Because he is making money this year.
• Most undervalued: Keppinger. I like him. I like his style of play. He's a contact guy. Solid player. He'll get in scoring position for Pence to drive in or for Lee to strike out looking and leave him stranded. Fun Fact! Kepp made just over $1.1M last season compared to Carlos, who made a little over $19M.
• Worst GM: Ed Wade. I'll hit on this more next time. Just know I despise this man and was disappointed when he finished the Houston Marathon without collapsing and clutching his heart. 

Alright I'm done for today. I'll probably check back in in a few days. Or if nobody reads this I may not. Eh, we'll see. Also, if you want to see me in person to call me more mean names because doing it electronically didn't do it for you, or you think my self esteem is too high, I'm the scrawney, white guy holding up the "FIRE ED WADE" sign at games. See ya'll next time.