Word of Justice

New GM Ed Wade blew up a lifeless team and acquired NL saves leader Jose Valverde, shortstop Miguel Tejada, center fielder Michael Bourn, second baseman Kaz Matsui and an assortment of middle relievers. So the Astros will be interesting, if nothing else.

They'll still have Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman in the middle of an offense that should be dramatically improved. Problem is, the quality starting pitching ends at Roy Oswalt. Two youngsters -- Brad James and Felipe Paulino -- will be in the big leagues at some point. Until then, the Astros can only hope that Woody Williams and Wandy Rodriguez pitch better than they did in 2007.

-- Richard Justice

Numbers Game

4 - Consecutive seasons with at least 200 innings pitched and a sub-3.50 ERA by Astros ace Roy Oswalt. The right-hander is the only reliable starting pitcher Houston has heading into 2008. He'll need to reverse some troubling trends with his strikeout rate and walk rate to remain as effective this year.

101 - Home runs in 2007 by the quartet of Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence and Miguel Tejada. Houston figures to have a very powerful lineup, especially when they play in homer-happy Minute Maid Park.

1 - Games missed by Carlos Lee in the last three seasons. El Caballo might not be an MVP-level player, but he's very valuable because of his remarkable durability.

-- Andrew Johnson

Numbers Game

Remember when Houston was one of the hottest locations around to find stud pitching? Seems like ages ago when we were scooping up Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens in the early rounds. Now it's just down to Oswalt, and amazingly enough, Woody Williams and his 5.27 ERA is in the No. 2 spot. Of course, Oswalt is still a top-15 pitcher and an anchor for your staff, but you can bypass the rest of the Astros rotation. Jose Valverde heads over from Arizona and will maintain most of his 2007 value, though he won't scratch 47 wins and his wild delivery makes him an injury risk. You might want to stay away if you can.

On offense, the 'Stros have four fantasy stars and two youngsters that are big sleepers. Their outfield-eligible players are especially valuable. Carlos Lee is the cream of the crop, a top-10 option who will likely hit 30 jacks, and he still has the wheels to tally 10 steals. Lance Berkman is a top-15 first baseman/outfielder who will provide 30-HR, 100-RBI pop again this season. Hunter Pence carries upside of a 20-20 season (as long as he doesn't dive through another sliding glass door first).

Miguel Tejada's power may be slipping and he's been dogged by a federal investigation, but those factors are exactly what could make him a bargain. If some owners are worried and he slips in your draft, don't be afraid to scoop him up. Catcher J.R. Towles and new center fielder Michael Bourn are the two youngsters with big upside. Towles impressed in his cup of coffee last year. Totals of 15 homers, 70 RBI and a high average are within reach. Bourn swiped 18 bases in only 119 at-bats last season. Assuming he keeps the gig, he'll give you a very cheap 40 steals.

-- Tom Herrera

FanHouse Video

-- Pat Lackey

Preview Poetry

But though I still love my 'Stros
To speak of champions is absurd
This writer takes her pen
To write the words again
That we will end up third

-- Pat Lackey/Lisa Gray, FanHouse