2013 Houston Astros Betting Preview
Welcome to the AL West Houston Astros! The Astros make a move from one of the more competitive NL divisions to a very solid AL division this year.
Odds to Win AL West from Bovada: +5000
Odds to Win World Series: 250/1
Unfortunately for them, the makeup of the team is such that a miserable season is almost guaranteed, no matter the league or division they are in.
Houston has been a doormat the last decade or so – hope isn’t expected any time soon for this team – this team lost 107 games last year and didn’t improve in the offseason. The Major League product is far below average and the farm system really doesn’t offer a whole lot.
So what can we expect from the AL’s newest team? Let’s take a look.
Probable lineup
1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Ronny Cedeno/Marwin Gonzalez, SS
3. Carlos Pena, DH
4. Chris Carter, LF
5. Brett Wallace, 1B
6. Justin Maxwell, CF
7. Jason Castro, C
8. Fernando Martinez, RF
9. Matt Dominguez, 3B
The batting order, outside of Jose Altuve resembles a Triple A roster – not a whole lot of frightening MLB talent for its fans to chew on. The Astros have made it their mission to restock their farm system – and it has come at the expense of the Major League team. Nobody on this team is a household name – for a reason! If you are an Astros fan, I am truly sorry – your team won’t score a lot of runs and will likely battle for one of the worst offenses in the game.
Probable Starting Rotation
1. Bud Norris
2. Lucas Harrell
3. Philip Humber
4. Erik Bedard
5. Alex White or Brad Peacock
Like the batting order there is not a whole lot to love in the Astros starting rotation. Truth be told, the top of the rotation likely wouldn’t make the bottom of the rotation on most contending teams. Bud Norris a #1? It seems that Erik Bedard may be the best of the starter and he has failed to stick with any club the last five or so years. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Bullpen
Closer: Jose Veras
Setup: Hector Ambriz, Wesley Wright
Like the starters, the pen doesn`t offer up a whole lot. Jose Versa is a pretty talented guy with an average of almost a strikeout per game the last few seasons but how many chances will he get to save games? And how long will it be before hitters catch on that this guy simply doesn`t throw a lot in the strike zone? The Bullpen is an extension of this whole team – short on talent and short on compliments from me!
Off the Bench
C Carlos Corporan, IF Marwin Gonzalez
If the Astros can`t field a solid starting lineup it doesn`t take much of an imagination too realize the caliber of the bench!
Betting Prediction:
Let`s face it – the Astros are a bad team! There is a better chance of them challenging the 1962 Mets for most losses in one season that there is of the Astros challenging even a .500 record! Anything more than last place will be a victory for this team but last place is likely – avoiding 100 losses is unlikely.
Bottom Line: Houston fans are in for a long year. At least they can start scouting the #1 overall pick in the draft!
