FWIW...

[Mr. Happy]

What follows is one man's view of our probable starting lineup. I hope that he is wrong about a few of these folks, e.g., Greene.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1    Jose Altuve                2B   
2    Fernando Martinez    LF   
3    Carlos Pena              DH   
4    J.D. Martinez             RF   
5    Brett Wallace            1B   
6    Justin Maxwell          CF   
7    Jason Castro            C
8    Tyler Greene            SS   
9    Matt Dominguez       3B

[Duman]

i won't be surprised if it is Chris Carter in LF instead of F. Martinez. Don't know how to shuffle the line up to make sense of that.

[Bench]

What follows is one man's view of our probable starting lineup. I hope that he is wrong about a few of these folks, e.g., Greene.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1    Jose Altuve                2B   
2    Fernando Martinez    LF   
3    Carlos Pena              DH   
4    J.D. Martinez             RF   
5    Brett Wallace            1B   
6    Justin Maxwell          CF   
7    Jason Castro            C
8    Tyler Greene            SS   
9    Matt Dominguez       3B

A murderer's row. 

[juliogotay]

What is this DH thinggy?

[sporadic]

What is this DH thinggy?

That's the guy responsible for making sure the keg at second base does not float.

[subnuclear]

Why is Matt Dominguez 9th?

[BudGirl]

So Altuve can get some RBIs.

[roadrunner]

I'd go Dominguez, Castro, Greene....but once again, it's all deck chairs.

[subnuclear]

Well, I'm glad someone's thinking about Altuve's shot at the MVP.

[remy]

What is this DH thinggy?

In FYB's house, it means Donkey Hung.

[geezerdonk]

What follows is one man's view of our probable starting lineup. I hope that he is wrong about a few of these folks, e.g., Greene.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1    Jose Altuve                2B   
2    Fernando Martinez    LF   
3    Carlos Pena              DH   
4    J.D. Martinez             RF   
5    Brett Wallace            1B   
6    Justin Maxwell          CF   
7    Jason Castro            C
8    Tyler Greene            SS   
9    Matt Dominguez       3B

Who would that one man be?
I would switch the outfield positions of the Martinez twins, start Elmore or The King at short and put Carter at first to start.

[VirtualBob]

Who would that one man be?
I would switch the outfield positions of the Martinez twins, start Elmore or The King at short and put Carter at first to start.

3 for 3 in my book.  And I would also switch the last two slots in the batting order.

[VirtualBob]

What the captain meant to say was ...

A murderedr's row. 

[moriartp]

i won't be surprised if it is Chris Carter in LF instead of F. Martinez. Don't know how to shuffle the line up to make sense of that.

I wonder if Luhnow & Porter will try out some of the lineup construction ideas that used to be in vogue among the stats crowd.

[astrosfan76]

i won't be surprised if it is Chris Carter in LF instead of F. Martinez. Don't know how to shuffle the line up to make sense of that.

I'm pretty sure Carter will be starting somewhere. Maybe they're serious about Wallace at 3B and Carter gets a shot at 1B. But, they sound like they really want him to get a lot of at-bats.

[Reuben]

This team has a shot at the worst defense in the league. I mean, at least the Tigers have Austin Jackson in CF.

A hypothetical lineup of:

Altuve 2B
F-Mart LF
Wallace 3B
Carter 1B
Pena DH
Maxwell CF
JD Mart RF
Castro C
Greene SS

would be nightmarish for flyball and groundball pitchers alike. Here's hoping Marwin and Dominguez start the vast majority of games at SS and 3B, and that Grossman or someone like that starts a fair amount in CF or RF before the year's out (I doubt Barnes hits MLB pitching enough to be a regular, unfortunately).

[Navin R Johnson]

Is this the worst group in Astros history? Considering the offense and defense, it certainly is since I have been watching, early 80s.

[moriartp]

With the number of rotation candidates they've got, there's a chance they might have a solid bullpen if things go just wrong enough.

[juliogotay]

Is this the worst group in Astros history? Considering the offense and defense, it certainly is since I have been watching, early 80s.

I think it's worse than the expansion Colt .45s. I know their pitching is worse.

[juliogotay]

I'd go Dominguez, Castro, Greene....but once again, it's all deck chairs.

Yes, and whatever the opening day lineup is will probably be used for a total of 8-10 games all season.

[NeilT]

I bet they bat the pitcher 8th.

[Momus]

I think it's worse than the expansion Colt .45s. I know their pitching is worse.

Still better than the '62 Stems. Probably.

[Mr. Happy]

Still better than the '62 Stems. Probably.

Maybe so. At least record wise. However, our expected talent level is probably in '62 steM range.

[roadrunner]

It's more fun to discuss 2015/2016 lineups.

CF - DDS
2B - Altuve
1B - Singleton
DH - Wallace
RF - Springer
LF - Carter/Santana
SS - Correa
3B - Dominguez
C - Castro/Stassi

[Ron Brand]

Just for grits and shins, here's the 1962 steM and the 1962 Colt 45s. This might not translate so well...

Pos            Age   G   AB   R   H   2B   3B   HR   RBI   BA   OBP   SLG
C   Chris Cannizzaro   24   59   133   9   32   2   1   0   9   .241   .335   .271
1B   Marv Throneberry   28   116   357   29   87   11   3   16   49   .244   .306   .426
2B   Charlie Neal      31   136   508   59   132   14   9   11   58   .260   .330   .388
SS Elio Chacon      25   118   368   49   87   10   3   2   27   .236   .368   .296
3B Felix Mantilla           27   141   466   54   128   17   4   11   59   .275   .330   .399
LF Frank Thomas      33   156   571   69   152   23   3   34   94   .266   .329   .496
CF Jim Hickman      25   140   392   54   96   18   2   13   46   .245   .328   .401
RF Joe Christopher   26   119   271   36   66   10   2   6   32   .244   .338   .362
OF Richie Ashburn           35   135   389   60   119   7   3   7   28   .306   .424   .393
IF Rod Kanehl      28   133   351   52   87   10   2   4   27   .248   .296   .322
OF Gene Woodling   39   81   190   18   52   8   1   5   24   .274   .353   .405
C Sammy Taylor       29   68   158   12   35   4   2   3   20   .222   .323   .329
C Choo-Choo Coleman   24   55   152   24   38   7   2   6   17   .250   .303   .441
1B Gil Hodges      38   54   127   15   32   1   0   9   17   .252   .331   .472

Pos                 Age   W   L   ERA   G   IP    H   BB   SO
SP Roger Craig           32   10   24   4.51   42   233.1    261   70   118
SP Al Jackson           26   8   20   4.40   36   231.1    244   78   118
SP Jay Hook           25   8   19   4.84   37   213.2    230   71   113
SP Bob Miller           23   1   12   4.89   33   143.2    146   62   91
RP Craig Anderson        23   3   17   5.35   50   131.1    150   63   62
RP Bob Moorhead           24   0   2   4.53   38   105.1    118   42   63
RP Ray Daviault           28   1   5   6.22   36   81     92   48   51
RP Ken MacKenzie           28   5   4   4.95   42   80     87   34   51
____________

Pos                 Age   G   AB   R   H   2B   3B   HR   RBI   BA   OBP   SLG
C  Hal Smith      31   109   345   32   81   14   0   12   35   .235   .286   .380
1B Norm Larker      31   147   506   58   133   19   5   9   63   .263   .358   .374
2B Joey Amalfitano   28   117   380   44   90   12   5   1   27   .237   .317   .303
SS Bob Lillis              32   129   457   38   114   12   4   1   30   .249   .292   .300
3B Bob Aspromonte   24   149   534   59   142   18   4   11   59   .266   .332   .376
LF Al Spangler      28   129   418   51   119   10   9   5   35   .285   .389   .388
CF Carl Warwick      25   130   477   63   124   17   1   16   60   .260   .312   .400
RF Roman Mejias      31   146   566   82   162   12   3   24   76   .286   .326   .445
LF Jim Pendleton           38   117   321   30   79   12   2   8   36   .246   .279   .371
C  Merritt Ranew           24   71   218   26   51   6   8   4   24   .234   .287   .390
IF Billy Goodman           36   82   161   12   41   4   1   0   10   .255   .306   .292
SS J.C. Hartman      28   51   148   11   33   5   0   0   5   .223   .248   .257
1B Pidge Browne      33   65   100   8   21   4   2   1   10   .210   .298   .320
2B Johnny Temple           34   31   95   14   25   4   0   0   12   .263   .311   .305

Pos                 Age   W   L   ERA   G   IP    H   BB   SO
SP Turk Farrell      28   10   20   3.02   43   241.2    210   55   203
SP Ken Johnson      29   7   16   3.84   33   197    195   46   178
SP Bob Bruce      29   10   9   4.06   32   175    164   82   135
SP Hal Woodeshick   29   5   16   4.39   31   139.1    161   54   82
SP George Brunet           27   2   4   4.50   17   54     62   21   36
CL Don McMahon      32   5   5   1.53   51   76.2     53   33   69
RP Jim Golden      26   7   11   4.07   37   152.2    163   50   88
RP Bobby Tiefenauer   32   2   4   4.34   43   85     91   21   60
RP Russ Kemmerer   30   5   3   4.10   36   68     72   15   23
RP Jim Umbricht      31   4   0   2.01   34   67     51   17   55
RP Dave Giusti      22   2   3   5.62   22   73.2     82   30   43

[juliogotay]

It's more fun to discuss 2015/2016 lineups.

CF - DDS
2B - Altuve
1B - Singleton
DH - Wallace
RF - Springer
LF - Carter/Santana
SS - Correa
3B - Dominguez
C - Castro/Stassi

I predict DDS stays at 2B and Altuve is moved. Springer to CF and Santana in RF. Grossman in LF. Someone besides Wallace is the DH or platoons with him.

[Reuben]

I predict DDS stays at 2B and Altuve is moved. Springer to CF and Santana in RF. Grossman in LF. Someone besides Wallace is the DH or platoons with him.

Yeah, I'd be very surprised if Wallace is still on the team/in the lineup by 2015. Also, Ruiz may be ready to take over 3B by 2015 or 16. Or perhaps Fontana or Mier or someone will move there.

[DVauthrin]

What follows is one man's view of our probable starting lineup. I hope that he is wrong about a few of these folks, e.g., Greene.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1    Jose Altuve                2B   
2    Fernando Martinez    LF   
3    Carlos Pena              DH   
4    J.D. Martinez             RF   
5    Brett Wallace            1B   
6    Justin Maxwell          CF   
7    Jason Castro            C
8    Tyler Greene            SS   
9    Matt Dominguez       3B

They traded for Carter to play him.  I'd pencil him in at DH, with Wallace and Pena splitting time at 1st.

[Mr. Happy]

They traded for Carter to play him.  I'd pencil him in at DH, with Wallace and Pena splitting time at 1st.

I think that you are correct. I just wanted to start the ball rolling on a substantive baseball by offering one reporter's take on an opening day lineup.

[DVauthrin]

I think that you are correct. I just wanted to start the ball rolling on a substantive baseball by offering one reporter's take on an opening day lineup.

I'm happy you did.  Very ready for the season to start.  The Astros are going to lose a lot of games, but I'm hoping Porter has them playing hard and cutting down on errors and mental mistakes.  That would be progress in my mind.

[Mr. Happy]

I'm happy you did.  Very ready for the season to start.  The Astros are going to lose a lot of games, but I'm hoping Porter has them playing hard and cutting down on errors and mental mistakes.  That would be progress in my mind.

+1 I'm going batshit up here in Big Sky Country without baseball.

[DVauthrin]

+1 I'm going batshit up here in Big Sky Country without baseball.

At least you will get to see the games.  The Astros partnership with comcast doesn't help me when I have U-verse.

[Mr. Happy]

At least you will get to see the games.  The Astros partnership with comcast doesn't help me when I have U-verse.

I'm going to probably get mlb.tv premium since I don't have DirecTV up here because I'm still in an apartment.

[Bench]

I'm going to probably get mlb.tv premium since I don't have DirecTV up here because I'm still in an apartment.

It's been years of telling you this, but for some reason I keep doing it hoping it will one day eventually get through.  DirecTV does not have a monopoly on MLB extra innings.  Every cable service offers the MLB Extra Innings package.  DirecTV has a monopoly only on NFL Sunday Ticket.  As for the MLB, NBA, NHL and even MLS, you do not need DirecTV to get their every out of market game package.  U-verse, comcast, Time Warner, what have you, they all offer them.  

[Ron Brand]

Are you saying that I have to have NFL Sunday Ticket to get MLB Extra Innings? Or does that come with it?

[chuck]

Are you saying that I have to have NFL Sunday Ticket to get MLB Extra Innings? Or does that come with it?

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic.

[Mr. Happy]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic.

Now that is sarcasm!

[Mr. Happy]

It's been years of telling you this, but for some reason I keep doing it hoping it will one day eventually get through.  DirecTV does not have a monopoly on MLB extra innings.  Every cable service offers the MLB Extra Innings package.  DirecTV has a monopoly only on NFL Sunday Ticket.  As for the MLB, NBA, NHL and even MLS, you do not need DirecTV to get their every out of market game package.  U-verse, comcast, Time Warner, what have you, they all offer them.  

I finally got it, B. My apartment comes with a preexiting cable that sucks, but it is the only game in town. Therefore, I have to get mlb.tv if I want to watch any games.

[chuck]

I finally got it, B. My apartment comes with a preexiting cable that sucks, but it is the only game in town. Therefore, I have to get mlb.tv if I want to watch any games.

You should be getting mlb.tv regardless of your television source. Get a wireless router if you don't have one, get a Roku, get mlb.tv and you too shall experience enlightenment.

[HudsonHawk]

I finally got it, B. My apartment comes with a preexiting cable that sucks, but it is the only game in town. Therefore, I have to get mlb.tv if I want to watch any games.

You realize ou can get DirecTV in an apartment too, right?

[Mr. Happy]

You realize ou can get DirecTV in an apartment too, right?

Not here. There's an express prohibition against satellite dishes of any kind. That's what I get for renting from a lawyer.

[HudsonHawk]

Not here. There's an express prohibition against satellite dishes of any kind. That's what I get for renting from a lawyer.

If he's a lawyer, he should understand Section 207 of the Telecommuncations Act of 1996, which prohibits by federal law such preemptive restrictions.

[chuck]

If he's a lawyer, he should understand Section 207 of the Telecommuncations Act of 1996, which prohibits by federal law such preemptive restrictions.

What happens when Section 207 comes into direct conflict with established HOA regulations?

[HudsonHawk]

What happens when Section 207 comes into direct conflict with established HOA regulations?

Section 207 wins the day.

[Mr. Happy]

If he's a lawyer, he should understand Section 207 of the Telecommuncations Act of 1996, which prohibits by federal law such preemptive restrictions.

Maybe I'll push the issue then. He's a butthole anyway.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Maybe I'll push the issue then. He's a butthole anyway.

Don't let him push you around.

The rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming.  The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas.  The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

Effective January 22, 1999, the Commission amended the rule so that it also applies to rental property where the renter has an exclusive use area, such as a balcony or patio.

[NeilT]

Don't let him push you around.

I would assume that the restriction applies to regulatory acts by local governments, and not what an owner of private property can require in a lease. 

[HudsonHawk]

I would assume that the restriction applies to regulatory acts by local governments, and not what an owner of private property can require in a lease. 

Nope, it specifically applies to private owners of leased property as well.

[BizidyDizidy]

My understanding is that they don't have to let you install it on their roof, but they can't stop you from having one (i.e. in a bucket on your patio).

Here's a good link to the FCC:

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule

[Uncle Charlie]

What follows is one man's view of our probable starting lineup. I hope that he is wrong about a few of these folks, e.g., Greene.

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1    Jose Altuve                2B   
2    Fernando Martinez    LF   
3    Carlos Pena              DH   
4    J.D. Martinez             RF   
5    Brett Wallace            1B   
6    Justin Maxwell          CF   
7    Jason Castro            C
8    Tyler Greene            SS   
9    Matt Dominguez       3B

MLBTR provided a list of players out of options: Chris Carter, Tyler Greene, Lucas Harrell, Phil Humber, Fernando Martinez, Justin Maxwell, Wesley Wright.

Not really sure how much this will be taken into account, but it may help to decide a Greene/Elmore decision and a Paredes/FMart/Carter decision.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/out-of-options-2013.html#disqus_thread

[Reuben]

I'm really curious to see what happens with Paredes. He sort of became an afterthought when he came up and sucked so bad both hitting- and defense-wise in September. But remember what a great left-handed swing he has when he's zoned in? And he's very athletic and quick, and had a great year in OKC... if he could just learn a little plate discipline, he could be a fine hitter. But I wonder where the Astros are going to try to play him. Back to 3B, in case Dominguez doesn't work out? Or will they continue the OF experiment (which probably means CF since he doesn't quite have the power you want from corner OF)?

[Randy Watson]

My understanding is that they don't have to let you install it on their roof, but they can't stop you from having one (i.e. in a bucket on your patio).

Here's a good link to the FCC:

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule

Just hope your patio faces to the South.

[geezerdonk]

I would like to see Porter give Paredes a position for 60-80 games and see what happens. If he is great, the Astros may have a player for years to come. If he sucks or is only average, replace him and move on. It's not like they have anything to lose. The same with J.D. Martinez. I think that he may be the best pure hitter on the team. Stick him in left field, leave him there until All Star break and see what happens.

[Mr. Happy]

I would like to see Porter give Paredes a position for 60-80 games and see what happens. If he is great, the Astros may have a player for years to come. If he sucks or is only average, replace him and move on. It's not like they have anything to lose. The same with J.D. Martinez. I think that he may be the best pure hitter on the team. Stick him in left field, leave him there until All Star break and see what happens.

+1 I'd rather give ABs and field time to Paredes than a guy like Ankiel (even though I'm not opposed to Ankiel as insurance and a fourth/fifth OF) because I'm not sure what Ankiel brings to the club, besides being a veteran who has a good arm, and because I believe that Paredes has a much higher ceiling. It's not like we are going to be competitive.

[VirtualBob]

+1 I'd rather give ABs and field time to Paredes than a guy like Ankiel (even though I'm not opposed to Ankiel as insurance and a fourth/fifth OF) because I'm not sure what Ankiel brings to the club, besides being a veteran who has a good arm, and because I believe that Paredes has a much higher ceiling. It's not like we are going to be competitive.

+2 ... with the over/under at 59.5 wins, this is the year to let things play out on the field.  If they can play, we end up beating the number and still being horrible; if not, we can move on with confidence to "plan B" (or whatever letter we are up to by now).

[juliogotay]

+2 ... with the over/under at 59.5 wins, this is the year to let things play out on the field.  If they can play, we end up beating the number and still being horrible; if not, we can move on with confidence to "plan B" (or whatever letter we are up to by now).

Agreed. It is time for the Martinez Bros., Paredes and some others to show their stuff.

[Limey]

+2 ... with the over/under at 59.5 wins, this is the year to let things play out on the field.  If they can play, we end up beating the number and still being horrible; if not, we can move on with confidence to "plan B" (or whatever letter we are up to by now).

I think, given the state of the club at this point, it's Plan 9.

[Ron Brand]

Tor like oatmeals.

[Bench]

As we're easing in to Spring Training, here's a good read by Pat Jordan about the hope and promise each spring brings, and his experiences as a minor leaguer in spring training in the early 60's.

Spring training was a Baden-Baden for the body and soul. It had curative powers for whatever ailed you – sore arm, bad marriage, ungrateful children, the death of a parent, financial collapse, ennui. It was like one of those Caribbean cruises, a Ship of Fools for ballplayers, fans, and sportswriters.

But it was all a fantasy, an illusion

[geezerdonk]

I think I hate ennui.

[NeilT]

I think I hate ennui.

I am weary of ennui.

[Bench]

I am weary of ennui.

I just don't care anymore.

[juliogotay]

Has anybody read Jordan's book "A False Spring?". I have not but I hear it is excellent. I used to look for it at Half-Price Books but never saw it.