FanGraphs has a new post on the Astros' future talent, and while the sun is shining, it's apparently going to be stormy until 2013.
First, an apology to Jason Castro:
we have to give Heck credit for choosing his Best Player Available without fail, never pausing to consider their ETA. This insulation mentality of drafting began immediately, when Heck took Jason Castro from Stanford ten to twenty picks before anyone thought he would go. But we were wrong, because Castro is going to be a very solid Major League catcher to guide this team into their next era. With quick feet and good contact skills, Castro has the essential foundation for Major League success.
The future:
After 2012, Carlos Lee is off the books, along with Roy Oswalt, Brandon Lyon. Berkman and Wandy Rodriguez come off after 2011. By then, the meat of Heck’s first drafts will be ready for the Major Leagues, perhaps just as Hunter Pence and Bud Norris are ready to hit their peak. Before that happens, it’s going to get worse in Houston. A lot worse.
I don't know about "A lot worse." The next two seasons are going to be rough, but I look at 2009 as The Dark Age for Astros baseball.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
