Just mulling over my thoughts before Spring Training her and wanted to test the water of the Astros faithful and post this poll. Just wanted to see where you guys think we are at before Spring Training since spring is every cellar dwellar's most hopeful time of the year. Anybody here think that the Astros can compete before 2020? This is my first fan post so tell me how I did thanks. Go Stros!!!!!!!!!!!

As we all know, the Astros have the dubious honor of picking first in the MLB entry draft this June. There are a handful of realistic candidates that I can see, and I'm sure one will jump out this season and separate himself from the pack, and what I want to ask is- who do you want to be that guy? I'm sorry if this has been posted here recently, I haven't seen it.

Brief rundown of the 5 players I see as realistic possibilities for the first pick-

Mark Appel- Has been considered a front runner for a long time. Three potential plus pitches and a great frame, but inconsistent command has prevented him from college dominance so far.

Lucas Giolito- A 6'6" monster of a 17 year old, Giolito has a fastball that sits at 95 and touches 99 along with two plus breaking pitches and plus command. He is a potential true ace. Would be the first High School RHP to go at 1.1.

Mike Zunino- A great defensive backstop, Zunino has some holes in his swing but is a good power hitter with plenty of potential at the plate. The safest positional prospect in the draft.

Byron Buxton- An elite athlete who projects as a plus defensive center fielder, Buxton has special tools. He could be a 20/50 type player in the Carl Crawford mold if things break right. The ceiling here is immense.

Stryker Trahan- A dark horse candidate for 1.1, Stryker has one of the best names in draft history and is a very intriguing prospect. He is unique in the sense that he plays catcher but is considered a true five-tool talent. He has a swing that scouts love and runs better than most outfielders.

http://grandoldgame.blogspot.com/2012/02/rumor-control-on-culbreths-eye-surgery.html

Just got off the phone with his mother, so I'd say that's a reliable source. Mention surgery and the worst is usually anticipated, but the best part of it is that this procedure shouldn't cause him to miss any playing time, and he should be none the worse for wear afterwards. Visit this SB Nation blog or The Grand Old Game for follow-up details.

I just read a post on mlbtraderumors.com it said that Oswalt may sign with the Astros. He is close to a deal with the cards but the stros and red sox are still there, a decision is expected with in a few days. The fact that we are going after Oswalt tells me Luhnow thinks we can win the division. Think about everything that has happened, no Pujols, no Fielder, and no Braun for 50 games. All of Luhnow's cheap low risk high reward contracts I thought were mainly for trade bait later or as possible DH's next year, but they may be players that he thinks can contribute to a playoff team. I admitt it is beyond a long shot that we make the playoffs, but going after Oswalt is the opposite of retooling with young guys. That is why I think Luhnow is Going for IT.

So the Rays just designated him for assignment. My first thought, CLAIM HIM! I don't know what his defense is like at 3rd and I don't care, even if his defense is atrocious we will need a DH next year anyway, and if someone else fills the role he is still great depth for a horrid AAA team. He is also only 25 also, so not too old for AAA. I just can't see any reason to pass on this.

What do you think? I think for $20,000 it would be impossible to go wrong.

Yoenis Cespedes has recently been declared a free agent. We've already seen so-called "surprise" teams land Albert Pujols (Angels) and Prince Fielder (Tigers) this offseason, could a surprise team sign Yoenis Cespedes? He's been linked to the Marlins, Yankees, Blue Jays among others, but should the Astros make a run at him?

At first brush, Houston seems like an illogical destination for such a player. But Cespedes is only 26 and will still be in his prime in 2014 and 2015 when the Astros should be much improved. Also, Houston will have over $20 million coming off the books after 2012 once the contracts of Carlos Lee and Brandon Lyon expire. Additionally, Houston will be needing an extra hitter starting next year with the impending move to the junior circuit.

I looked back at some recent Cuban free agents, and their initial contracts are not as extreme as you might imagine. Dayan Viciedo agreed to a four year $10M deal with the Chicago White Sox in December 2008 (with a $4M signing bonus). In January 2010, Aroldis Chapman agreed to a a six year $30.25 deal (with a $16M signing bonus distributed over time). Before the 2008 season, Alexei Ramirez signed a 4-year $6.4M deal. Going back a while, Jose Contreras initially signed a 4-year $32 million contract.

Looking at those past signings it's interesting to see a team like the Reds sneak in there. Now, I don't think the Astros should go crazy. But would a 5-year $30 million deal be out of the question? It's a risky play for sure, but could instantly add a power bat in his prime if it works out. Also, what would the offseason be without rumors and speculation?

Make no mistake about it I am in the "Keep the Astros the Astros" camp. But As I pondered a new name; I began to wonder... should we go back to our roots?

Houston Buffs were a minor league team (missing a few years) from 1888-1961. They were an American Minor League team for the Cardinals and some well known players came through Houston as minor leaguers such as Dizzy and Daffy (Jerome and Paul) Dean, Joe Medwick, Hal Epps and Solly Hemus. In Houston's last minor league season they were the AAA team for the Cubs in 1961. (Any wonder why there are still plenty of Cardinals fan here?)

In 1962; Houston was granted the NL team known as the Colt 45's. Later the name was changed to the Astros Or officially the Houston Astronauts honoring Houston's association with the Space program and NASA.

Would there be support for re-naming the Astros the Buffaloes (for Buffalo Bayou), Colt 45's (The original name) or perhaps taking a jab at Bud Adams from the baseball side and using the Oilers (anything that upsets Bud is a good thing in my mind)??

What do you think?

Fact: Jim Crane is the owner of the Astros and has the right (within league rules) to do as he pleases with the team.

Fact: The move to the AL has been; for the most part, a very unpopular idea for the fans and it is understood that Jim Crane did not ask to move he is being forced by Bud Selig to do so.

Fact: There are times when change is good when you are not changing for the sake of change.

As we approach the first season under the new owner of the Astros; it is clear that change is a key word for this franchise. Ticket prices are changing, food and drink prices are changing, front office is almost completely changed and we will see a change in a few positions on the field. But; these are the potential positive changes for this franchise.

A change in logo or a change in uniform is not a big deal for most fans. But to change the name and identity of a franchise that has been so named for 50 years is a bad idea. While the forced move to the AL will alienate some fans; a change in team name will only do further damage to the fan base.

Mr. Crane needs to change personnel on the field until he has the players that will bring the Astros back into prominence. He has already made positive change in the front office that will help in the previously addressed area. But changing the identity of this team is simply a bad idea.

You wouldn't see this as even a topic of conversation in Chicago, Boston, New York or LA...so why here?

We all give a lot of grief to Carlos Lee but he has been a good player here for 5 years now. We think of him as lazy and clumsy but he has posted good numbers and learned a new position late in his career. We are going to pay him 18Million, if we trade him we will probably get a poor prospect and still pay 10 to 12 Million. Why not just keep him for what most likely is the last year of his career. In Houston he has hit 128 HR, 500+RBI's, posted an AVG of .286, OBP of .338, and an OBPS of .824. He has hit roughly 30HR and 100RBI each year here. He is not Bagwell or Biggio or even Berkman, but he is El Caballo. We will always remember fans showing up with sombreros and stick horses, he should be considered an Astro great. We all say we want to trade him but why dont we just enjoy his clumsy style one more year.

The moment many of you have been waiting for, Angel has been designated. I honestly expected another reliever to be designated, but I guess Luhnow had different plans. So now we have Lowrie, Marwin, and then we have Downs who I imagine is about the same as a shortstop that Angel was. Here's to Jed Lowrie!

I imagine Angel will be picked up pretty soon. Who do we know that can use a utility infielder?

Angel Designated