coolnerd
Footballguy
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121027&content_id=40084820&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou
Contract issues
There is a mutual option for 2013 for $4 million for backup catcher Chris Snyder, but it doesn't appear the Astros are going to bring him back. They have no other significant players facing free agency, but expect a few players not to be tendered contracts as the Astros continue to trim some excess off the roster they inherited from previous management.
Areas of need
Designated hitter: The Astros will be scouring the free-agent market looking for their first full-time designated hitter in advance of their move to the American League West in 2013. They have some in-house candidates -- Brett Wallace or Jonathan Singleton, for example -- but expect a veteran to fill this role.
Corner infield: Matt Dominguez (third base), Wallace (first base) and Brandon Laird will be in the mix at the corners, but the Astros would like to add another player to the fray, possibly someone who could slide over and work as the designated hitter.
Outfield: The outfield underwent a substantial change last season when Fernando Martinez, Barnes and Maxwell were starting at the end of the season after J.D. Martinez, Jordan Schafer and Brian Bogusevic started on Opening Day. J.D. Martinez, coming off hand surgery, will be back in the picture, but the Astros would like to add a run producer to push for playing time.
Backup catcher: Jason Castro, finally healthy, emerged last year offensively as the starter, with Chris Snyder and Carlos Corporan splitting backup duties. It's unlikely Snyder returns, so expect the Astros to add another catcher to compete for the reserve spot.
Starting pitching: With Norris, Lyles and Harrell locks for the 1-2-3 spots in the starting rotation, the Astros would like to add an experienced arm that would follow them, or even perhaps compete to pitch at the top of the rotation next year.
Relief pitching: The bullpen was extremely young last season following the midseason trades of Brett Myers and Brandon Lyon. Veteran Wilton Lopez is a fixture at the back end and the Astros like what they have in lefties Wesley Wright and Sergio Escalona (coming off Tommy John surgery), but there's a real need for a veteran arm who could join Lopez in the late innings.
2013 Payroll
The Astros slashed their payroll to bottom-barrel levels following their midseason trades of high-priced players like Myers, Carlos Lee and Wandy Rodriguez, though they're paying significant portions of those contracts. When the dust settled, the only player making more than $750,000 was shortstop Jed Lowrie ($1.15 million), leaving the payroll south of the $20 million range. Lowrie will get a nice raise in arbitration, and pitchers Norris and Lopez are first-time eligible, but there should be enough flexibility to make additions.
Contract issues
There is a mutual option for 2013 for $4 million for backup catcher Chris Snyder, but it doesn't appear the Astros are going to bring him back. They have no other significant players facing free agency, but expect a few players not to be tendered contracts as the Astros continue to trim some excess off the roster they inherited from previous management.
Areas of need
Designated hitter: The Astros will be scouring the free-agent market looking for their first full-time designated hitter in advance of their move to the American League West in 2013. They have some in-house candidates -- Brett Wallace or Jonathan Singleton, for example -- but expect a veteran to fill this role.
Corner infield: Matt Dominguez (third base), Wallace (first base) and Brandon Laird will be in the mix at the corners, but the Astros would like to add another player to the fray, possibly someone who could slide over and work as the designated hitter.
Outfield: The outfield underwent a substantial change last season when Fernando Martinez, Barnes and Maxwell were starting at the end of the season after J.D. Martinez, Jordan Schafer and Brian Bogusevic started on Opening Day. J.D. Martinez, coming off hand surgery, will be back in the picture, but the Astros would like to add a run producer to push for playing time.
Backup catcher: Jason Castro, finally healthy, emerged last year offensively as the starter, with Chris Snyder and Carlos Corporan splitting backup duties. It's unlikely Snyder returns, so expect the Astros to add another catcher to compete for the reserve spot.
Starting pitching: With Norris, Lyles and Harrell locks for the 1-2-3 spots in the starting rotation, the Astros would like to add an experienced arm that would follow them, or even perhaps compete to pitch at the top of the rotation next year.
Relief pitching: The bullpen was extremely young last season following the midseason trades of Brett Myers and Brandon Lyon. Veteran Wilton Lopez is a fixture at the back end and the Astros like what they have in lefties Wesley Wright and Sergio Escalona (coming off Tommy John surgery), but there's a real need for a veteran arm who could join Lopez in the late innings.
2013 Payroll
The Astros slashed their payroll to bottom-barrel levels following their midseason trades of high-priced players like Myers, Carlos Lee and Wandy Rodriguez, though they're paying significant portions of those contracts. When the dust settled, the only player making more than $750,000 was shortstop Jed Lowrie ($1.15 million), leaving the payroll south of the $20 million range. Lowrie will get a nice raise in arbitration, and pitchers Norris and Lopez are first-time eligible, but there should be enough flexibility to make additions.
Wishing you guys the best of luck destroying the Rangers and Angels this year. 
