Key Additions: Mike Hampton, Jason Michaels, Ivan Rodriguez

Key Subtractions: Randy Wolf, Ty Wigginton, Mark Loretta, Brad Ausmus

A look at the lineup:

CA – Ivan Rodriguez was signed late in the off-season and will be the team’s starting catcher. Humberto Quintero will see plenty of action as the backup, while J.R. Towles will start the season in the minors.

1B – Lance Berkman is back as the everyday first baseman and three-hitter after an outstanding 2008 campaign. Darin Erstad will be the backup.

2B – Kazuo Matsui will lead off and man second base. Edwin Maysonet and Jason Smith add depth.

SS – Miguel Tejada will be the starter at shortstop and will hit fifth. Maysonet and Smith are the backups.

3B – Geoff Blum will open the season as the starting third baseman and will likely bat sixth. Chris Johnson will be the primary backup and Smith adds depth.

LF – Carlos Lee will be back as the starter in left field and will hit cleanup. Newcomer Jason Michaels will back him up.

CF – Michael Bourn is back as the everyday centerfielder and will hit eighth. Reggie Abercrombie and Erstad are the reserves.

RF – Hunter Pence will hit second and is the starter in right field. Erstad and Abercrombie add depth.

A look at the pitching:

Starters – Roy Oswalt is the undisputed ace of the rotation. The rest of the rotation is less than impressive, but Wandy Rodriguez is respectable. Brian Moehler, Mike Hampton <enter injury joke here>, and Russ Ortiz round out the rotation. Jose Capellan, Felipe Paulino, Alberto Arias, Brandon Backe, and Clay Hensley are also under contract and will compete for starts.

Relievers – Jose Valverde is back as the closer. LaTroy Hawkins, Geoff Geary, Doug Brocail, Wesley Wright, Tim Byrdak, Chris Sampson, and Jeff Fulchino will battle it out for innings in relief.

Outlook:

There is not much to like if you’re an Astros’ fan. The team did not improve during the off-season and the pitching staff is a mess. There are a few good hitters in town, but that won’t be enough to keep this team competitive.

Prediction:

The Astros will give the Pirates a run for their money for the basement position in the NL Central. Expect a record near 69-93.