The “October can’t get here fast enough” Phillies Fan.

                I can honestly say I am finally relieved that I can write a post I thought I would genuinely enjoying writing.  Not entirely because I am a Phillies fan, but because I can actually write the post as each post I wrote was initially intended, from the true perspective of a fan of the team.  As I surveyed each team and wrote each separate post on every team, I tried to put myself inside the shoes of a fan of the particular team, and emulate their emotion, feelings, and thoughts on their team.  Now, I finally get to do it for my own team, and I’m not enjoying it as much as I thought I would.

                In my opinion, the title is a more than capable description of my thoughts on the 2012 season.  Mainly because I have no interest in re-hashing what I consider to be the most disappointing ending to a Phils season ever (or at least since I’ve been born).   Seriously, I watched the entire season last year, and watched as they dominated the league consistently from April-September, then watched as the first week of October, the Cardinals, and a 5 game divisional playoff crushed my and every other fightins’ W.S. dreams.  After that 1-0 loss in game 5, I sat back and said to myself, “If we can’t win it right now with this team, how are we going to win it next year?” 

                  Ruben Amaro’s answer to that question: Jonathon Papelbon.  What do you do after losing the NLDS because the line-up couldn’t provide any run support, a recurring theme throughout the regular season?  You bolster the bullpen, and make sure the other team doesn’t score any runs.  With Papelbon beefing up the bullpen and backing the best rotation in baseball, the Phils original run support problem doesn’t disappear, but their opponents’ also temporarily inherit the problem as well. 

                Where’s the run support going to come from in 2012 though?  Particularly in October, because the strength of starting pitching should have no problem getting the fightins’ through the regular season.  If Laynce Nix and Jim Thome are our solutions were in trouble, even though I love the Thome move for pinch hitting situations.  Other than that, the line-up will essentially remain the same, which I am still skeptical about expecting to be W.S. caliber.  Ryan Howard is still the team’s HR and RBI leader, but he’s not performing like he was in 2006 and 2007, and who knows how he is going to perform coming off his Achilles injury.  They also resigned Jimmy Rollins, which in my opinion was their best option a SS for the money they were willing to spend, though again performance is still an outstanding issue.  Like most other MLB teams, the Phils line-up will have to come through on the list of What-Ifs, to be the W.S. contender Philly expects them to be.

                 I think most Phils fans are already looking toward October and playoff revenge.   Because of the way 2011 ended for the Phillies, I think the expectations of the team have only been increasingly pressured in the off-season.  I’m personally excited for another entertaining year of Phillies baseball, the team’s bid for a 6th consecutive N.L. East title, 3^rd consecutive league’s best record, and an opportunity to relive 2008’s W.S. glory in 2012.

The “We like playing with House Odds” Yankees Fan.

Get involved in a baseball conversation with any Yankees fan, and you’re likely to come across the number 27 at some point during the conversation.  Starting the regular season, for every other MLB team at least, is like sitting down at a roulette table in an imaginary Yankees owned Casino.  Even though the odds are essentially even, the Yankees still seem to have a slight “house” advantage over the rest of the league.  Sure, a team or two will occasionally walk out with a skittish smirk on their face and a pocket full of shiny chips, yet most will have come and gone only donating their investment to the continual construction of the empire state.

Construction comes at a lofty price though.  The figurative casino has seen inordinate amounts of operation expenses since 2003; the year the league instated the luxury tax threshold rule.  Since the rules inception, the Yankees have exceeded the threshold all 9 years, contributing roughly 200 million (95%) towards the tax fund.  To the excitement of their management, the Yanks have brought the number down the past two years, and saw their second lowest surplus last year with roughly 13.9 million.  No need to fret Yanks fans though, you have enough revenue to cover the threshold spread through 2047.

Since the luxury tax was established, the Yanks have won only one of their 27 championships though.  Which is not a dissatisfaction for any other MLB team, and is really only a minor shortage in the Yankees overabundant and flourishing career.  The last time (and really only time) the Bronx Bombers remotely struggled, prior to only winning the W.S. once in a 9 year span, was their neglect of a playoff appearance spanning from 1982 to 1994.  An avoidance which I’m fairly sure the boys from the Big Apple aren’t heading for anytime soon.

With the majority of their “might as well be the A.L. all-star team” Broadway line-up returning in 2012, I would expect, and I think NY fans would too, nothing short of a championship caliber team.  Again, they have all the essential pieces of the puzzle at their disposal; it’s just a matter of the pieces falling into the right place at the right time.  Don’t sell them short on off-season purchases though, they’ll be sure to have a finger in every free agent basket, even if it’s a basket clearly labeled Boston red or Toronto blue.  As long as Derek “I’ll play wherever I want to play” Jeter is still performing on the big stage, I would expect the show to still be an MLB academy award-winner.        

The “Time to be more than great” Tigers Fan.

As if 95 wins and first place in the A.L. central isn’t great enough.  It certainly seems like the Tigers are lurking fearlessly amongst rodents and insects in that food chain, considering they won the division by 15 games last year.  If only the post-season were as simple as its predecessor, then Detroit’s sporting felines would really be kings of the jungle.  However Tigers fans, and Lions fans for that matter, having seen post-season hardship first-hand this season, haven’t necessarily been accustomed to the daunting reality of the playoffs in years of late.

The Tigers, being starved of playoff rations since 2006, found their lucky number 95 again last year and eagerly experienced only their second playoff appearance since 1987.  However, despite mounting entertaining and unexpected playoff runs in both 2006 and 2011, they were unsuccessful at cashing in on the main prize both times.  A prize which has eluded the savage predators for 27 years now and one they’ll look to catch again in 2012.

With the Tigers bringing essentially the same streak¹ as they did last year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them at the top of the A.L. central food chain again in 2012.  With Justin “9 innings, 99 MPH, No Problem” Verlander at the helm, and virtually the same “good for 4^th best in the league” line-up returning, Tigers fans can sleep tight at night without 2003 and 119 losses haunting them.

The Tigers have had knack for inconsistent performance over the last 8 years, and before that it changes from inconsistent to consistently dismal.  But with the superstars leading the way and Dave Dombrowski’s faith in his upcoming home-grown talent, the Tigers seem like they are in a position to start a path of consistency in a positive direction.  From there, it’ll just be a task of deciphering the playoff puzzle, easier said than done when you’re not playing the Royals, Twins, and White Sox in October.  To feast on 2012’s Filet Mignon, the Tigers will need to duplicate 2011, while adding a little extra sugar to their Frosted Flakes in October.  If only Kellogg’s replaced Tony the Tiger with Melky Cabrera, then all would be well. 

¹Streak: The proper term for a congregation of Tigers.  Also could be referred to as an ambush. Ex: An ambush of tigers ambushed us today.

The “Bring us back-to-back Diamonds” D-backs Fan.

The Diamonds of course referring to the N.L. West crown.  D-backs fans saw an unexpected yet enjoyable run from their club in 2011.  The diamondbacks scored their third most wins in franchise history with 94 last year, only 3 away from completely exchanging their total 2011 wins for their 97 total losses in 2010.  I would chalk it up as a complete positive transformation, pending they don’t see their typical “after a good year” drop-off in 2012.

The razorbacks seem to have a knack for following up a commendable season with 3-4 consecutive lackluster seasons.  In their short 14 year MLB existence, they have given Arizona fans something (because let’s be honest, the Cardinals are usually 1-6 by then) to cheer for in October only 5 times, and with the exception of a hard-earned W.S. victory over the Yanks in 2001, none of the appearances proved to noticeably successful.  Now, with the precedential history of the club, Dbacks fans are just hoping they’ll at least be able to get let down in the NLDS sometime before 2015.

Is it possible for the Dbacks to avoid missing the playoffs for the next couple years?  Certainly…Relax, you’re still in the N.L. West Arizona, remember?  Really, all Dbacks fans have to worry about are the Giants, the occasional uninviting get-together with Clayton Kershaw, and Justin “I’m a diamond in the rough” Upton’s healthiness.  And with Jason “need another outfielder?” Kubel coming over from the Twins, and the line-up performing to its proven 94 win consistent ability, it’s very possible for the Dbacks to throw their diamonds in the sky two years in a row.

What about a serious playoff run, though?  Woah, Woah, Woah, let’s not get ahead of ourselves there.  Is it a possibility?  Of course, just not sure if I could consider it seriously probable.  Then again, who would consider Randy Johnson hitting a bird mid-game with a 100 MPH fastball seriously probable?  With the Dbacks current team, fans should remain content with their club being a relevant contender in the N.L. West, and if they get red hot before the post-season, I wouldn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a “Cardinal-esk” sleeper playoff run.  This could be made more of a possibility if their management dipped into the starting pitcher free agent pool, which is still very lukewarm.  Don’t start roasting your giblets yet though Dbacks fans, we’re still a long way away from 94 wins and fresh-cut diamond N.L. West crown.           

The “Who Invited the Rays?” Red Sox Fan.

After arguably one of the biggest regular season breakdowns in recent history, the end of the regular season left Red Sox fans’ jaws on the floor and them crying out, “Hey that’s our spot in the A.L.”  The Rays ultimate wildcard comeback in 2011 marks the second time the Rays have been at the center of a disappointing ending to the season for the Red Sox in the last four seasons.  The other coming back in 2008 in a heartbreaking seven game battle in the ALCS.    And now the familiar wildcard spot which the Red Sox have grown so comfortable with since 1998 has suddenly gone missing over the last two years.  It’s bad enough with the overwhelming New York “Strip Steak” filling the Sox plate, now the Rays have to add their own little course into the already overcrowded mix.

Originally picked as a highly dangerous W.S. contender at the beginning, middle, and three-quarter turn of the season, the Red Sox experienced a more than forgettable September in 2011.  With a ½ game lead over the Yankees, a comfortable 9 game lead over the trailing Rays and a 83-53 record as of September 1^st, the Red Sox posted a stomach-piercing 7-19 record in the month of September to finish with a 90-72 record, one game behind the Tampa “we just did that” Rays.  Heartbreak, for Red Sox fans fully expecting a 3^rd W.S. championship since the dawn of the new century. 

 And now the guys in Red will be out for blood this season because the Sox haven’t missed the playoffs for three years in a row since 2002; a road Sox fans aren’t interested in revisiting anytime soon, especially with the success the franchise has seen over the past 10 years.  With most of the same personnel returning, an absolution of their arbitration issues, and one or two tweaking add-ons to the pitching staff and possibly right field, the Sox should be a favorite once again.

The Sox have been keen at stirring up the off-season acquisition plot like the best of them.  Their storied, youngest, and arguably most successful G.M. takes a b-line to Chicago after missing the playoffs for the third time in his eight year tenure.  The franchise closer, Papelbon, is off and running to the N.L.’s big red machine, yet most of the line-up and starters will be back in 2012.  Arbitration is a big issue for them as well, as they still have 8 players left to haggle with, including Elllsbury and Ortiz.  Then, there’s the looming issue of getting another reliable starting pitcher.

Despite their unsuccessful ability to land another quality starter, which I’m sure to the pleasure of Sox fans, will come soon (Garza, Oswalt perhaps?); the Sox have filled the gaping void left by Papelbon with Oakland’s Andrew “I’m your green monster” Bailey.  A smart and reasonable choice for the boys in red.  Pair him with the best line-up in baseball for the first 5 months of the season last year, and a new quality starter, and you can count on the Red Sox being a shoe-in next year, until September strikes and the Tampa Bay Rays pull out their stinger.  

The “We’re still a favorite” Braves Fan.

Still a favorite, huh?  Must be a loose term; because baseball divinity hasn’t exactly been favorable for Braves fans.  6 seasons of division “titlelessness” since their epic 11 year consecutive dominant reign in the N.L. East; only one short-lived playoff appearance in those six years; the most painful end Braves fans have seen to a regular season in the last twenty years last year; the Phillies with an unyielding grip on the division; and the Nationals and Marlins making an array of “just trying to keep up” off-season maneuvers; and a football team that can only put up 2 points in a wildcard playoff.  What’s next for Braves fans?  The retirement of Chipper?  The end of Atlanta before the end of the world?  At least Braves fan can put faith in knowing they are remarkably still more favorable than the Mets, at the very least.

The N.L. East is going to be a very different and interesting division in 2012, especially if the Nationals find a way to land Prince Fielder.  The Marlins have managed to completely warp their franchise into what they hope to be a competitive southern powerhouse.  Then, you have the primary divisional front-runners of the last two decades still mixing it up in the Phils and Braves.  I’d like to say the Braves are still a favorite in this division based off of their history and performance, but I can only sincerely be sure of their placement ahead of the Mets in 2012.

The Braves have essentially been the quietest team in the progressive transaction discussion in the 2011/2012 off-season.  Which is not necessarily a good or bad thing for Braves fans because the team they had last year was certainly an admirable relevant contender in the N.L.  Losing the 17-loss Derek “I’m too old for this rotation” Lowe isn’t leaving the Braves in disarray, as it makes their push for a younger crowd a little easier with more cash in their pocket.  

Their solid veteran line-up partnered with a strong young and dangerous rotation is a great recipe for duplicating winning seasons.  Duplicating another competitive 89-73 though, as positive as it seems, is not going to be enough for Braves fans to be satisfied in 2012.  They’ll need players to provide exceeded expectations in performance and their what-if’s on the bullpen and prospects to be answered in their favor, if they  want a chance at bringing the title back to the ATL.  Which, for Braves fans, is more appealing than losing your bid for the wildcard in the last series of the season to a divisional rival. 

The “I want to be a real Bear” Cubs Fan.

 
            The word, dearth, seems appropriate for this post so I’m going to go ahead and use it.  Dearth is a noun which is defined as a scarcity, a lack; or an inadequate supply of something dear.  I think I was most intrigued to use this word because of its look and the way it’s spelled.  Putting a D in front of the word earth, something which is obviously overabundant, makes the new word seem increasingly catastrophic to me.  Making it seem like the supply which is being lacked in dearth is a supply of epic proportion.  If we were to apply the word dearth to the world of baseball, I’m sure no one would be more familiar with it than the Wrigley faithful.

            The longest Championship dearth in sporting history exists in their franchise, spanning over more than an entire century.  They also have a W.S. appearance dearth of over half a century now.  And the most recent of dearths for Cubbies fans: a dearth of the playoffs for the last 3 seasons.  Not the large dearth they’re used to, but a dearth nonetheless.  I’d bet you’d like a dearth of the word dearth right about now, Cubs fans.  Ok, I’ll stop.

            Let’s move to something the Cubs haven’t lacked this off-season, changes in the clubhouse.  First taking a page out of Boston’s book, bringing Theo Epstein and his side-kick Jed Hoyer over; in an attempt to rejuvenate the franchise and aggravate White Sox fans.  And since their arrival, it’s been nothing but big time business in the transactions department.  The most noteworthy of them being the recent ousting of the hot-head Carlos “Me and Ozzie are gonna’ spit fire in Miami” Zambrano.  Which most Cub fans probably aren’t too upset with, although they might have liked to see more than 43 wins since they re-signed him in 2008.  They have also lost their RBI leader from last season, Aramis Ramirez, to the Brew Crew; it’s a shame they couldn’t snag the Crew’s former RBI “soon to be king” leader in return.

             They have opted for a cheaper and hopefully promising option at 1st base in Anthony Rizzo, who thrived in the minors but saw early struggles when given the opportunity in San Diego.   Similar to the Rizzo deal, Cubs management has spent the rest of their time, energy, and money on focusing in bringing in young prospering talent to begin reconstructing the franchise.  And I would only expect continued, frequent moves from Epstein and Hoyer, especially in the pitching department, with the reports of a possible Garza departure. 

             The young talent and new team outlook should encourage Cubs fans to be more excited for something other than basketball or hockey when April comes around.  Well for their other sports’ team sake, let’s say May or June just to be safe.  Don’t start selling your October Bears tickets yet Cubs fans; you’re most likely still headed for another playoff “dearth” season in 2012.  Really you’ve waited this long, what’s a couple more years?           

The “My kind of Frown” White Sox Fan.

Since 2005, the fans sporting the newspaper colored “Sox” have had virtually the same moping face stuck on.  After their drought-ending W.S. series in 2005, and a short-live divisional skid in 2008, there has been little for White Sox fans to cheer about in October except for Da Bears.  I guess that’s better than watching the Cubs in October for White Sox fans though, which they haven’t had to endure since 2008 as well.

                It seems Chicago’s enormous sports entertainment stage has had only enough room for three sports for the last four years.  With the success of the Bears, Hawks, and Bulls all over shadowing the historic baseball town, it can be a hard time for any young Cub trying to put on his White Sox.  Not to say that a Cub would ever wear White Sox, although (fun fact of the day) both franchises saw David Aardsma move from Wrigley to Cellular Field in 2006/2007.  Maybe if the White Sox and Cubs put their heads together they might be able to solve their similar “Central” related problem.

                Over the past 5 seasons, the White Sox simply have developed the issue of not being able to piece together two over .500 seasons in a row.  For some obscene ambiguity, division titles don’t always seem to reward inconsistent teams in a timely manner, and to the continued displeasure of White Sox fans, losing your best starting pitcher doesn’t paint a more consistent picture for 2012.  The loss of Mark “It’s too cold in Chicago” Buerhle provides a decent void in the rotation, which the Sox have decided to answer with the re-signing of John “I can do it” Danks in hopes that he’ll be the Cinderella they’ve been looking for to fill Buerhle’s shoes.  In addition, the recent displacement of Carlos Quentin for two emerging prospects confirms the White Sox management’s discontent with off and on .500 seasons.

                     It’s an apparent rebuilding year for the late 79-83 White Sox.  With all of their transactional focus being placed on their prospecting future, the White Sox will have to rely on their soon to be re-signed veteran line-up to move back into the above .500 club in 2012.  However, I think South Side fans might just be subjected to another year of persistent disparity, unless the White Sox consider eloping to Cuba to spice up their line-up again.     

The “Here we go Steelers” Pirates Fan.

                Steel City fans have always been and will always be football fans first.  There's no knocking on their 6-time Super Bowl Champion “Stillers”, even after they get discount double-checked by Aaron Rodgers in the Super bowl.  What can be knocked is their baseball team’s existence since 1993.  Up until the 2011 season and Andrew McCutchen, Pirates fans were busy washing their terrible towels and Troy Polamalu’s hair during the summer months.

                Somehow last season’s 72-90 was chalked up as a season of promise for the Pirates.  It certainly was a dramatic improvement from their 105 loss season in 2010.  Although the pirates did show some real promise and did contend for the division title for a good half of the year, they still have a long way to go before being prominent in the N.L. Central again.  They have a lot of questions to answer, which unfortunately for Burgh fans, can’t be answered by Mike Tomlin.

                  In hopes of landing an over .500 season for the first time since their last playoff appearance nearly 20 years ago, the Pirates need to stay consistent throughout the entire season and not just the first 4 months.  Though they proved to have a promising first 4 months, Pirates fans saw a glimpse of the old familiar disappointment they were used to in August and September last year.  Though consistency is large factor of their hopeful success this season, the Pirates are going to need more than just that to move into contention 2012.

                The Pirates will be looking at a familiar team in 2012.  They add back Nate McLouth from his dreary stay in Atlanta, in hopes that he can get a second-wind in his career at his original home.  With McCutchen playing follow the leader with the offense, McLouth’s rejuvenated bat and speed, and filled power voids at 1^st base and the middle of the line-up, the Pirates could be a “sleepy” contender in 2012.  There’s still the question of pitching that looms though.  The adds of the off-season haven’t been too alarming, but they’ve been productive nonetheless.   With continued trade and signing improvements, Steel City fans might have not have a reason to wave their ironically “terrible” towel at PNC Park this summer too.       

The “Where’s the line-up beef?” Padres Fan.

                

                From their hopeful second place 90 win season in 2010, the Padres essentially took 3 giant position holding steps in the wrong direction in 2011.  Trading 20 wins from 2010 for 20 loses in 2011, the Pads finished with a good for last in the easiest division, 71-91 record.  What can the bulk of those losses and the drop off from the previous year be attributed to?  Not their 3^rd overall collective ERA, that’s for sure.

                Despite the dissipate season last year, the Padres managed to land in the top ten in each of the League’s major pitching categories: ERA, Quality Starts, WHIP, and Batting Average Against.  To the discomfort of Padres fans and their playoff hopes however, all of their key collective batting statistics landed among the League’s worst.  The only remotely respectable performer in the line-up was Cameron “help me out” Maybin, and next to him I think Padres fans would start giving Phillip Rivers more run support credit than the rest of the irrelevant line-up. 

                The off-season came bearing gifts for Padres fans however.  With a new, feisty G.M. in Josh “I make unprecedented deals” Byrnes, the Padres can look to add some “Reds” meat to their line-up in 2011.  His first order of business: Use the team’s noteworthy pitching from 2010 as leverage for re-vamping the line-up in 2011.  His most notable trade coming in a deal with the Reds, in which he managed to get 4 players for reliable right hander, Matt “I’m worth it” Latos; in what some are calling quite possibly the most lop-sided deal in baseball’s recent history.  The Padres beef up the line-up with two everyday position players in Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal, and bolster the pen with Volquez and Boxberger.  To acquire this many contributing players, two of which are geared towards significantly improving the line-up, is a definite positive light for Padres Fans.

                Byrnes is fixed on bringing new every-day players to San Diego, and is committed to providing some runs for the pitching staff, even if it requires him to dump some of the pitching which gave him his leverage in the first place.  His most recent acquisition, Carlos “I’m Onboard” Quentin also coming at the price of pitching to Byrnes.  With the new trades and signings setting the line-up for 2011 coming at the cost of some reliable pitching, it will be interesting to see if the Pads can climb back in contention in the N.L. West.   

The “When’s our Halladay?” Jays Fan

Despite spending the better part of his career in Toronto, Doc Halladay still managed to see twice as many playoff appearances on his new team than he did in all those years as a Blue Jay.  Rightfully earning the holiday he deserved to receive after his tenured devotion in Toronto.  Things haven’t changed much for the Jays since the departure of Doc.  Since their W.S. win in 93’ over his Philly Phaithful, they have seen every position in the A.L. East except for 1st. 

                After one more year of mediocre play in their division, they could be looking at a 20 year playoff drought in 2013, something no baseball fan wants to spend a quarter of their life watching.  And though Toronto always seems to be a contending team in the A.L., I would venture a reasonable guess that things don’t seem to be changing in their favor anytime soon, at least in the A.L. East.  Maybe a move to the N.L. and a team back in Montreal for Canada would give Jays fans a better shot at seeing a post-season bound team.

                The Jays have shown some promise since their last 3 consecutive A.L. East title runs in the early 90s.  They have had 11 80+ win seasons since taking the W.S. back to back in 1992 and 1993.  Unfortunately for Jays fans, their team is in the league’s hardest division which usually takes 95+ wins to even be in contention for the title.

                The Jays made a few moves at the winter meetings, but nothing which really jumps out to scare the A.L. East for 2012.  Apparently the Jays are interested in bolstering their pen with some old-reliable experience because they have recently signed a familiar face in 34 year old reliever Jason “glad to be back “ Frasor and 41 year old left hander Darren Oliver.  Like I said nothing too frightening to the A.L. East, but positive moves nonetheless, as the Jays needed to focus on improving the pen this winter.  But unless they make a typical A.L. East powerhouse superstar signing (Fielder, perhaps?), Jays fans will most likely be anticipating the Maple Leafs season next October.  

                  The Jays are more than likely headed for a similar result in 2012 if they decide to stick with virtually the same team that put up 81 wins last season.  I don’t see a much different result unless the Yanks, Sox, and Rays all tank in 2012.  There’s a better chance of the Mayans’ prediction of the end of world happening in 2012 before those three teams give leeway to the Jays next season.    

The “Luhnow to the rescue” Astros Fan.

                

                 Astros fans couldn’t wait to ring in the New Year, and change that last number from a 1 to a 2 in their season ticket check dates.  Mainly because the ending of the 2011 season marked the Astros worst recorded season in franchise history.   Progressively deteriorating since their wild card bouts in 2004 and 2005, the Astros took the league’s “clown crown” last season with a whopping 106 losses. 

                 The dismal season rightfully calls for a fresh spring house cleaning, starting with the roof.  With the hiring of an essential St. Louis piece of the winning puzzle in Jeff Luhnow as the new G.M., the Astros can start rebuilding with the peace of mind that they shouldn’t see another 100 loss season under the new regime.

                Luhnow, proving to be a behind the scenes mastermind in creative and relentless farm-system revamping in St. Louis, should hopefully add some spice to Houston’s managerial bland stew.  Astros fans have had to witness their only hopeful players being shipped off to more prominent and significant teams over the last few years.  Just to name a few of them… Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, and most recently Hunter Pence.  In exchange for what?  In hindsight, not much, except a paramount of tics in the wrong upsetting column.  The uncanny ability of the Astros to lose their supposed star players blamed partly on Ed “don’t let the door hit you on the way out” Wade, who heads back to Philly this season, which he never really left in the first place.

                No real big player moves have been orchestrated under Luhnow’s reign yet.  Except for a “risky-now, but hopefully rewarding later” trade with the Red Sox for new hopeful SS Jeff Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland, who should fit well in the rotation.  A rebuilding of this nature will take time, and I expect Luhnow will be very busy this spring, and for many springs to come for that matter.  As of now the view for 2012 doesn’t look pleasantly positive for Astros fans; however these franchise-rebooting moves being made this season are a step in the team’s hopefully perennial right direction.