The Houston Astros did little to improve themselves over the winter. Replacing Jose Valverde and Latroy Hawkins with Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom is a huge downgrade. The Astros will be going with J.R. Towles behind the place and rookie Tommy Manzella at SS. Geoff Blum will be starting at 1B until Lance Berkman returns from knee surgery further hurting the lineup. As far as the starting rotation goes the Astros will only gave a good chance to win when Roy Oswalt is starting or Wandy Rodriguez is starting at home. This team looks like a fifth place team and that is where I’m picking them in the N.L. Central. I would also bet on the under.