2009 Houston Astros MLB Preview:
The Houston Astros head into the 2009 season ready to end a string of "close, but no cigar" seasons. Since reaching the World Series in 2005, the Astros have come tantalizingly close to the playoffs for three straight years, but have just missed each time. Is 2009 the season that Houston finally overcomes those near-misses and gets back into the National League playoffs?
Astros Manager Cecil Cooper will field a solid lineup that includes position players: Lance Berkman, Pudge Rodriguez and Carlos Lee. The 'Stros pitching staff includes Mike Hampton, Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Brandon Backe. If Houston's pitching staff looks sharp and the Astros are hitting then expect Minute Maid Park to be rocking in 2009 when the playoffs roll around.
HOUSTON ASTROS INFORMATION:
Founded: 1962
Location: Houston, Texas
Stadium: Minute Maid Park
Conference: National League
Division: Central Division
Rivals: St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers
Notable Players: Mike Scott, Nolan Ryan, Terry Puhl, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell
Houston Astros World Series Title: 0
Houston Astros NL Championships: 1 - 2005
The Houston Astros play baseball in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Astros franchise was founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s. In 1965, the team moved into the Astrodome with the new nickname of the Astros. There are differing opinions about why the name was changed, but it ended up being a good fit for the franchise. While the Astros saw some success in the early '80s, it wasn't until the acquisition of players like Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, that the Astros would become a team to beat and Houston fans would have superstars to root for.
The Houston Astros play their home games at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Formerly known as Enron Field and Astros Field, the stadium seats a capacity crowd of nearly 41,000. Minute maid Park is a good place for home runs because of the short distances down the lines, especially left field, making the park a great place to watch some offense. Tal's Hill and flagpole in center field also makes games interesting because of the added challenge of fielding a ball in that part of the outfield. Buy Houston Astros tickets today and don't miss any of the action!
See Also:
Houston Astros playoff tickets
Houston Astros Season Preview History