Team: Astros 1981, 1981, 1989
Ballpark: Minute Maid Park
Pick 1.02 - 1981 Astros
If I had the #1 overall pick, I may have taken 1981 over 2019 anyway. I hadn't really thought that through yet. 2019 certainly has better hitting, but their SPs are a bit HR prone, which may not be an issue if you end up playing in the Astrodome. Anyway, as most of you know, this 1981 team is loaded with pitching, and unlike the 2020's seasons with short-inning pitchers, this team has 6 very good pitchers (4 SP, 2 RP) totaling over 1100 innings! My starting rotation includes Nolan Ryan (220, 2.16), Don Sutton (234, 2.20), Bob Knepper (231, 2.42) and Joe Niekro (245, 2.97). The two RPs I get aren't wussies... these two guys total over 200 IPs. Those 45-50 inning wimps that can barely throw 10 pitches without fatiguing can kiss my arse. Give me Dave Smith (111, 1.97) and Joe Sambito (94, 2.13) every day. At the time of this pick, I hadn't yet decided which two offensive players would make the cut. As it turns out, I never was able to get a good catcher, so Alan Ashby (.271, .361, .378, A+ arm) is part of my catching platoon. I considered Jeffrey Leonard as my eighth player, but I instead wanted the switch-hitting outfielder Tony Scott (.293, .342, .405, A/A-) since he is going to start as part of an OF platoon. It is my hope, I can get a strong Bagwell, Berkman, Biggio type of season with my next pick. Long wait though.
Pick 2.11 - 2016 Astros
With about eight picks before my turn, all those good hitting seasons were still available. Things are looking good. Then bam... 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2002 all get taken back-to-back-to-back. Crap! Is this going to be another '64 White Sox situation (i.e., good-pitching-can't hit-lose-a-bunch-of-close-games type of team)? I strongly considered taking 1972 b/c they are loaded with offense (but too right-handed and zero pitching help). I was also looking at 2004 and 2006. Although I already had 1100+ strong innings, I wanted more depth. I know footballmm11 loves to grab those 2015+ seasons to load up on quality arms, so I decide to grab 2016 here right in front of him, then take one of 1972, 2004 or 2006 on the way back. Frankly, 2006 fits the best with my needs. Anyway 2016 provides me with RPs Chris Devenski (108, 1.68), Like Gregerson (58, 1.91) and Will Harris (64, 2.13). Note that Pat Neshek (47, 1.82) and his 0.78 IP/G can go f*ck himself. More importantly, 2016 gives me some offense. Jose Altuve (.338, .401, .510, A-/D-) and his poor range will play 2B. Carlos Correa (.274, .365, .430, A-/C+) is one of the better-hitting shortstops in Astros history. George Springer (.261, .363, .436, A/B-) is acceptable and better than anybody from 1981. Evan Gattis (.251, .323, .487, A/A+/A+) is labeled a DH even though he is an awesome defensive catcher. Finally, Luis Valbuena (.260, .361, .438) can cover 1B, 2B, 3B. All-in-all, no complaints with what 2016 brings to the table.
Pick 3.02 - 2006 Astros
As expected, footballmm11 took 2004, leaving me 2006. I get a solid short-season from Roger Clemens (114, 2.15). I can use him in long relief or even spot start him. Chris Sampson (34, 1.69) and Dan Wheeler (72, 2.37) complete a very strong bullpen. The Astros are going to crush the Rangers in interleague play. Offensively, I get my starting 1B, Lance Berkman (.315, .417, .599, B/A-) and my 3B platoon with Morgan Ensberg (.235, .393, .439, B/B+) / Mike Lamb (.307, .358, .452, C-/B-). Also platooning (with Tony Scott) is OF Luke Scott (.336, .426, .621, A+/D-). Since my Scott-OF-platoon only has 607 PA, I needed to add Willy Tavares (.278, .333, .338, B/A) to spot start a couple of games. 2016 and 2006 fit really well together. I still need a starting OF and preferably a left-handed bat.
Pick 4.11 - 1967 Rusty Staub
Bingo! Welcome to the team '67 Rusty Staub (.333, .398, .473, D+/C+). I figured the two stud Jim Wynn's would get selected, and Staub's defense isn't great so there was a chance he'd make it to me. What was a predominantly right-handed team can now start as many as 5 lefty/switch hitters.
Pitching Stats
Best 1450 innings: 2.20 erc#, .216 oav#, 1.07 whip#, 0.34 hr/9#
Hitting Stats
Including platoons, excluding scrubs: .296 avg#, .379 obp#, .472 slg#, .850 ops#
Outlook:
Compared to my Brewers team, this Astros team looks awesome. My guess is that a number of Astros teams will look really good compared to just about any other franchise. My pitching should finish near the top of the league, but my offense is probably average at best. I don't like my team's defense (especially range). I almost never use D- range guys but I needed Altuve's bat. This will ding my pitchers stats a bit. I would like to think this team can win 85-90 games. That should be good enough to advance to round 3, but I don';t think this team will challenge for a top 5 overall record.