Regardless of who we sign this winter, we all know the Astros will struggle in 2010.  However, with free agency, a competitive team can be built in 2 or 3 seasons.  In my opinion, we have 2 years of Lee, Berkman, and Oswalt being under contract and playing at a high level.  What moves can we make now that will put us in a position to be a playoff team in 2011?  My 2011 roster is below, complete with expected salary and notes.

CF Bourn $5M

2B Maicer Itszuris $8M (Matsui's $5.5M albatross comes off the books along with Moehler's $3.5m.  Assuming we can fill Moehlers 5th starter spot from within, that's $9M we have to use on 2B, which will have to come via trade or free agency since there are no viable prospects waiting in line.)

1B Berkman $14.5M

LF Lee $18.5M

3B Pedro Feliz $4M (I just don't think Chris Johnson will be a quality every day MLBer.)

RF Pence $5M

C Castro $.5M (We need make SURE he gets some time this season so he is ready to rock in 2011.)

SS Manzella $.5M

Bench: Keppinger $1.5M, Blum $1.5M, Bogusevic $.5M, Maysonet $.5M, Towles $.5M

SP1: Oswalt $15M

SP2: Wandy $6M

SP3: Duchsherer $6M (this is where my suggestion deviates from any possible reality.  Wade has absolutely shot down any idea of adding starting pitching via free agency.   Stll, I think a 2 year incentive laden deal for a guy like Duch or Sheets could really improve the team.)

SP4: Norris $.5M

SP5: Paulino/Abad/Lyles/Bazardo/Lopez/Trinidad $1.5M (There are enough average prospects at the higher levels that odds are someone will show this year that they can fill a rotation slot.  If Lyles gets put in AA this year and pitches lights out, he may get rushed in.)

SP/RP: Wright $.5M

RP: Arias $1M

RP: Gervacio $.5M

RP: Byrdak $1.5M

RP: Fulchino $.5M

RP: Matt Lindstrom $2.5M (just acquired, under team control thru 2012)

CL: Brandon Lyon $5M (just acquired, his success will probably define Wade's performance this offseason.) 

This puts payroll < $100M, and the only weaknesses would be that whether the rotation is good or great depends on Duch's health and Norris' development.  The offense would be fantastic.  Comments welcome!