By Matthew Becker
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on December 18, 1999.

In the last few days, the most common question asked on the TZ is “How do the Astros expect to win with this?” Well, the answer to that question is reliant on one condition: winning what? If you want to win the Central my friends, we’re already there. To put our moves in perspective, let’s look at what the teams in our division have done to “improve” their teams, and with apologies to Ray K, here are my Central Division Power Rankings.Read More

By Historian
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on September 16, 1999.

When the history of the Astrodome is retold, particularly by Astros fans, you can bet that the six no-hitters will be mentioned as well as the exciting finales to the 1980 and 1986 NLCS. Division titles will come up as will the 1968 and 1986 All-Star Games and the Dome’s inaugural on April 9, 1965. For more details on these exciting moments, I encourage you to visit the History section. My focus is on those more obscure and unusual Astrodome moments. This is a quick tour of those 35 memorable years with a few lowlights to go with the highlights:Read More

By Morpheus
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on August 31, 1999.

I’ve been a (semi) regular around here for a little over a year now. The way I came to hang around Astros fans is a pretty neat story in and of itself.

It seems that the Astros– while being the best team in the NL Central (c’mon, CINCINNATI?)– has to fight off a scrub challenger every year that comes from out of nowhere. Last year it fell upon the Cubs to do that.Read More

By JJW
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on August 17, 1999.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way! There was Nolan Ryan, at the 1999 Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony, posing with his plaque. We already knew he had chosen the cap of the Texas Rangers for induction. But the scene was still cold, hard reality for Astros fans (for those in Astros garb attending the event, as well as those of us watching it on TV).Read More