I have been reading multiple posts from other TCB'ers, regarding what the Astros should do in 2013 with their free agent money. I wanted to throw my 2 cents in, so these are my thoughts:

I think we are set in the infield with our current roster. I would start Wallace at 1B, Altuve at 2B, Lowrie at SS, and Dominguez at 3rd. I think Tyler Greene and Marwin Gonzalez have shown enough to be utility infielders, and Castro should continue to develop behind the plate.

The outfield is a different story, and this is where money should be spent. I am over and done with Bogey, F-Mart and Barnes. Feel free to make an argument to the contrary, but I don't think any of them are even replacement level MLB outfielders. Jimmy Paredes needs his opportunity, and I would give him one spot. The other two should be filled with FA outfielders. My personal preference would be to reacquire Michael Bourn to play center ( heck, we didn't get anything for him anyway), he's from here, and he's loved by Astros fans. I would also acquire Shane Victorino. He's now without a job in LA, and would make a great #2 hitter. Maxwell would be my 4th outfielder.

Harrell, Lyles and Norris should make up 3/5ths of the starting rotation, and a quality FA( Edwin Jackson?) can help solidify from the top. The 5th starter can be determined at Spring Training, with Weiland getting first look.

We need a DH next year, and Carlos Lee or Lance Berkman are not doing it for me. I would acquire Mark Reynolds, who will hit 35 - 40 bombs, and can fill in at 1st and 3rd.

That leaves a reconstructed bullpen made up of current minor leaguers, some solid FA signings, and Wilton Lopez to close. Unless the Rocket wants the job. No, Just kidding.

Starting lineup:

Bourn

Victorino

Wallace

Reynolds

Altuve

Lowrie

Paredes

Dominguez

Pitcher

This team should be respectable, 70 or so wins, bringing fans back to MMP, while waiting for Singleton, Springer, Correa, DDS, and the rest of the cavalry. Adding 40 mill a year for 4 FA as suggested above will not break the bank or inhibit the progression of our minor leaguers. Bourn gets 5 years, Victorino, Reynolds, and Jackson 3 each. We will have to overpay to get these guys, I know. That's why shorter deals at bigger bucks makes sense to me. Jim Crane, we need this!