In continuing keeping track of the 2009 predictions, the Bucs Dugout made their own:
-A mid-payroll team needs to churn out cheap talent to complement its core but, due mostly to inattention to drafting and Latin America, the Astros have failed to do that. As a result, they're relying on any number of cheap veterans, and even given the team's financial and personnel constraints, many of those veterans are poorly chosen.
-But the 2008 Astros also beat their Pythagorean record by nine games, and the 2009 team looks worse than last year's. I have to call them like I see them. Again, I predict they'll finish fifth, ahead of the Pirates.
5. Houston Astros 71-91
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
