This is MLB 2004 style. I worry about the year ahead, personally. The rotation is good. Very good. Is the relief up to the task? Very possibly. Best Astro year to look forward to from January -- ever. Let's see what June and August bring.
I think the Astros are overranked. Yankees, As, and the Cubs look to have equal or better rotations, with A LOT LESS injury risk. The Astros just might have the best rotation should they stay healthy and Redding throw more innings at last year's quality(sub 4 ERA). But that's a big IF. From what I've heard, Duckworth does very well in the early innings(great stuff), and falter later. It seems that hitters can easily adjust to him the second and third times up. If so, he'd make a superb bullpen candidate, so he only gets to face the batters once.
I would too but then again I'm a Oakland fan and that's all we got. The only way to settle it would be to meet in the World Series The 'Stros have a great staff and to have 3-4 options for your fifth starter (not to mention depth in case of injuries) is outstanding!
He was pitching fantastic for us before he was sidelined! Maybe Gerry did say he'd be in NO, but, if he's back to his old self, I see him seriously making a push for the fifith starter. (although Duck and Redding will be tough to beat out) Sheeesh! What options!!!!
