I Didn't Want to Do This

It was inevitable when the Astros record fell to 15-30 that comparisons to the 2005 team that "achieved??" the same mark would be forthcoming. So here goes. I doubt if this will be encouraging, but at least it may offer some though provoking tidbits.

That 2005 team finished in a rush with a overall record of 89-73. That was hardly earth shaking but was good enough to still take the NL Wildcard spot even if eleven games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central.

Then in the post season the Astros beat both the Braves and Cards to advance to their short four game World Series with the White Sox.

The biggest similarity between the 2005 and 2010 Astros is in the pitching. However, even there the 2005 team has the edge. The overall bullpen may not have been quite as strong as the 2010 team but the starters were stronger and in the top three far more well established than this year.

The top three in 2005 featured Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Two of those figure to qualify as Hall of Fame candidates based on pure numbers. In 2010 the big three are Oswalt, Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez who was also the #4 or #5 starter in 2005.

Only Oswalt should he decide to play on past his current contract might have a chance at Hall of Fame consideration.

Both teams had solid closers. Brad Lidge would save 42 in 2005. He had eight at the 15-30 mark. Matt Lindstrom has ten saves at the same record.

The current Astro back two in the rotation, Bud Norris and Feilipe Paulino have had their moments of success and failure. That was the same with Brandon Backe and Rodriguez in 2005.

Offensively, while the 2005 Astros were a step down from earlier clubs that included Carlos Beltran and Jeff Kent in the lineup they were still more potent that the 2010 contingent. As maligned as Brad Ausmus and Adam Everett often were both were better hitters than Humberto Quintero or Tommy Manzella. Morgan Ensberg hit 36 homers at third base in 2005. Pedro Feliz won't come close to that. He has never hit more than 22 in a major league season and is well off that pace. At second base Craig Biggio returned for his outfield stint and hit 26 homers in 2009. Jeff Keppinger may be able to best his .264 average, but won't come close in the power department.

Lance Berkman is still the first baseman, although Jeff Bagwell tried to start the season there in 2005. He had to bow out in early May due to his continuing shoulder problems and Lance moved in for good. He got off to a poor start himself after beginning the season late following knee surgery. He was hitting only .179 after 45 games. He finished strong, like the team, and was at .293 with 24 hr and 82 rbis when the bell rung at the end.

In the outfield the potential for the 2010 team is greater, but don't forget Jason Lane's 26 homers in 2005. Call Lane and Hunter Pence a wash. Michael Bourn has a greater upside than Willy Taveras. And Carlos Lee--if he only BECOMES Carlos Lee again-- has a major hitting advantage over Luke Scott.

There ARE differences between the 2005 and 2010 Astros. The 2005 team probably wasn't as good as it finished. The 2010 team isn't as bad as it IS.

Where will things wind up?