AL East
1). Tampa Bay Rays – 95-67
2). New York Yankees – 90-72
3). Boston Red Sox – 86-76
4). Toronto Blue Jays – 82-82
5). Baltimore Orioles – 63-99

AL Central
1). Detroit Tigers – 95-67
2). Cleveland Indians – 89-73
3). Minnesota Twins – 82-82
4). Kansas City Royals – 80-84
5). Chicago White Sox – 61-101

AL West
1). Los Angeles Angels – 99-67
2). Texas Rangers – 97-65
3). Seattle Mariners – 72-90
4). Oakland Athletics – 69-93

NL East
1). Philadelphia Phillies – 101-61
2). Miami Marlins – 93-69
3). Atlanta Braves – 89-73
4). Washington Nationals – 88-74
5). New York Mets – 74-92

NL Central
1). St. Louis Cardinals – 88-74
2). Cincinnati Reds – 86-76
3). Chicago Cubs – 80-84
4). Milwaukee Brewers – 78-86
5). Pittsburgh Pirates – 75-89
6). Houston Astros – 53-109

NL West
1). San Francisco Giants – 91-73
2). Arizona Diamondbacks – 89-65
3). Los Angeles Dodgers – 89-65
4). Colorado Rockies – 80-82
5). San Diego Padres – 70-92

Playoffs

AL
1). Los Angeles Angels
2). Tampa Bay Rays
3). Detroit Tigers
4). Texas Rangers
**5). New York Yankees

**Wild Card Playoff
Texas Rangers over New York Yankees

Divisional Series

(1)Los Angeles Angels over (4)Texas Rangers in 5
(3)Detroit Tigers over (2)Tampa Bay Rays in 5

Championship Series

(1)Los Angeles Angels over (3)Detroit Tigers in 7

NL

1). Philadelphia Phillies
2). San Francisco Giants
3). St. Louis Cardinals
4). Miami Marlins
**5). Arizona Diamondbacks

**Wild Card Playoff

(4)Miami Marlins over (5)Arizona Diamondbacks

Divisional Series

(4)Miami Marlins over (1)Philadelphia Phillies in 5
(2)San Francisco Giants over (3)St. Louis Cardinals in 3

Championship Series

(2)San Francisco Giants over (4)Miami Marlins in 6

*World Series*

Los Angeles Angels over San Francisco Giants in 7

Awards

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera (DET)
NL MVP: Matt Kemp (LAD)
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander (DET)
NL Cy Young: Josh Johnson (MIA)
AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore (TB)
NL Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper (WSH)
AL Manager of the Year: Ron Gardenhire (MIN)
NL Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen (MIA)
AL Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Mauer (MIN)
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Josh Johnson (MIA)
AL Aaron Award: Jose Bautista (TOR)
NL Aaron Award: Matt Kemp (LAD)
Delivery Man of the Year: Joe Nathan (TEX)
Clemente Award: Michael Cuddyer (COL)

Anyway… whatchya got for meeee?
KyleXY – I disagree with the Marlins needing to adjust. Most of their players are veterans, including Guillen. I think they’ll make an early impact. And the Brewers position would depend on Braun’s suspension. If it’s overruled, I definetely agree that they would be in third rather than fourth. And the Cardinals lost too much this offseason to go all the way, but they may go to the LCS, although I don’t think they’re better than the Giants will be. Thanks for the response.

K-Dawg – Normally you would be correct, however this offseason a rule was put in place where the top seed would face the bottom seed regardless if they’re in the same division. That rule could be taken away though… so we’ll see.

the marlins are going to need a few years to adjust. they will be in third or fourth. you got the cardinals right except you should of put the brewers where the cubs are. the giants will in fact lose to the cardinals and the cardinals will beat the diamondbacks in the NLCS. the cardinals will go on to beat the new york yankees in 6 games in the world series!!!

Your playoffs are not accurate since two teams from the same division cannot play each other in the Division Series. You have the Angels and Rangers facing each other in the ALDS. Same for the NL with the Marlins and Phillies. It should be Angels vs Tigers in the ALCS and Phillies vs Cardinals in the NLCS.

I didn’t hear that they might not have that rule. Nevermind then…

1st of all i like you decision for joe mauer. and i dont think teams from the same division cant be in the ds. heres mine.

al west 1 texas 2 laa 3 oak 4 sea

al central 1 det 2 cle 3 min 4 ws 5 kc

al east 1 bos 2 nyy 3 tampa 4 tor 5 bal

nl west 1 ari 2 sf 3 la 4 col 5 sd

nl central 1 stl 2 mil 3 cin 4 pit 5 chi 6 hou

nl east 1 phil 2 mia 3 atl 4 was 5 nym

playoff alds tex over wc nyy

alds laa over det

tex over laa

nlds phil over sf

mia over stl

mia over phi

ws tex over mia finnaly

The marlins are gonna suck jose reyes is gonna be on the DL if they trade hanley rameriez they only got 1 bat in mike stanton the nats will destroy the marlins the nats will be in second place their pitching staff is to good and expect jason werth to have a comeback season and with more experience their young players will be better go nats

Selig has actually said the 2 wild card playoff system might not start until 2013.

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Rangers
AL Wild Card: Angels and Rays (If there are two spots)
NL East; Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: D-Backs
NL Wild Card: Reds

World Series: Tigers over Cardinals

Half of your records do not add to 162.

AL East

Yankees 96-66
Rays 93-69
Red Sox 89-73
Jays 77-85
Orioles 67-95

AL Central
Tigers 95-67
White Sox 80-82
Royals 76-86
Indians 72-90
Twins 68-94

AL West
Rangers 98-64
Angels 92-70
Mariners 69-93
Athletics 62-100

NL East
Phillies 99-63
Braves 88-74
Marlins 83-79
Nationals 78-84
Mets 64-98

NL Central
Brewers 91-71
Cardinals 89-73
Reds 84-78
Pirates 75-87
Cubs 68-94
Astros 58-104

NL West
Dbacks 95-67
Giants 90-72
Dodgers 81-81
Rockies 79-83
Padres 67-95

The info I have seen recently leads me to believe the 2 wild card format will start in 2013.

Divisional Series

Rangers over Rays in 5
Yankees over Tigers in 4
Phillies over Giants in 5
Dbacks over Brewers in 4

Championship series

Rangers over Yankees in 6
Dbacks over Phillies in 7

Dbacks over Rangers in 5

AL MVP Miguel Cabrera
NL MVP Justin Upton
AL Cy Young James Shields
NL Cy Young Cole Hamels
AL Rookie Of The Year Matt Moore
NL Rookie Of The Year Anthony Rizzo
AL Comeback Player Of The Year Carl Crawford
NL Comeback Player Of The Year Buster Posey
AL Manager Of The Year Ron Washington
NL Manager Of The Year Bruce Bochy
AL Relief Man Mariano Rivera
NL Relief Man John Axford
AL Hank Aaron Award Miguel Cabrera
NL Hank Aaron Award Matt Kemp
Roberto Clemente Award Carlos Beltran

I agree with you that the Angels are going to make it that far to the world series.

All I’m gonna say is, it’s only Feb. 5.

The NFL Super Bowl ans season is still in progress today.

nope
but MLB could
since they are switching Leagues they might be able to change their name
and since the Oilers are only connected to the Football team they could use it just as well

It wouldn’t be without precedent if they did. After all, there are Giants in both NFL and MLB. There are also Cardinals in both NFL and MLB. Honestly, unless they went back to the Colt 45′s, this is the one that makes the most sense.

Not likely. The Rockies took the name of a former NHL franchise with little dispute, because there’s pretty much no way to confuse baseball with hockey; so with football.

But… why the Oilers? A team with a storied history of falling short, and eventually fled town, is hardly the sort of fan memories the Astros (2.0) would want to evoke. Renamings are for looking to the future, not reflecting on the past.

Oilers is a NHL team

not going to happen oh by the way i am not a fan of HOU but i loved there old school uniforms

Improbable.
This won’t happen.

In a word, no.

Bud could stop them from using any of the Houston (football) Oilers imagery (logo, uniform likeness, et. al.) because he owns the rights to those, but the name is not his exclusively to use in every possible context.

I don’t see their name changing to the Colt .45s in today’s boycott happy times. It’s just not worth the headache or potential loss of revenue. We’re living in a society where the Tampa Bay Rays took the cigar off of their “Tampa Bay Smokers” throwback uniforms to appease the whining masses.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/rays-cut-cigars-from-tampa-smokers-throwback-jerseys?urn=mlb,wp10426

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7494785/new-houston-astros-owner-jim-crane-mulls-name-uniform-change

The Jetsons.

MPAKG. Millionaires Playing A Kids Game.

The Houston Chipmakers.

But that’s only so I could license them for a generous but fair royalty every year. I wouldn’t be a hardass about it.

———-
I’m not quite sufficiently rich in years to remember the “Colt .45′s” name first hand, but does it occur to anyone else that such a name essentially is a free advertisement for Colt Firearms, still an operational business to this day? (And as such, not a particularly politically correct one at that, which may matter to some people.)

There is NO WAY that MLB would allow that name today. I recognize Selig will sell out just about anything, but team names have still been off-limits, and even given the opportunity I have doubts Colt would want to deal with the criticism or pay the probably enormous price.

(Or, if ballistics isn’t enough of a concern, “Colt .45′s” would also reference a popular alcoholic beverage. Which doesn’t really make the situation better.)

“Colts” I suppose would work. Innocuous, a natural referent for a horse town, close to the predecessor without obviously bumping up against the issues listed above…. It wouldn’t be my choice, but it’s workable.

Houston Lastro’s.

Jokes aside, it depends on if they are moving to another city. If they stay in Houston, I guess maybe the bears, boars? I’m interested to know if they are planning on moving cities.

It would be acceptable to return to original Houston Colt .45s. Makes for a better name with their soon to be intrastate divisional “rivals”, Texas Rangers. Wranglers would work too, but that is too similar to Rangers.

The Houston Honeybees

The Houston hawks
Or eagles?

use hold him back?

Jeff Kent
Second baseman
Born: March 7, 1968 (1968-03-07) (age 43)
Bellflower, California
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 12, 1992 for the Toronto Blue Jays
Last MLB appearance
September 27, 2008 for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Career statistics
Batting average .290
Hits 2,461
Home runs 377
Runs batted in 1,518
Teams
Toronto Blue Jays (1992)
New York Mets (19921996)
Cleveland Indians (1996)
San Francisco Giants (19972002)
Houston Astros (20032004)
Los Angeles Dodgers (20052008)

Career highlights and awards
5 All-Star selection (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005)
4 Silver Slugger Award winner (2000, 2001, 2002, 2005)
2000 NL MVP

He’s a sure Hall Of Famer in my book. Maybe not first ballot, but it shouldn’t take him more than 5 years on the ballot to get it. He was one of the best offensive second basemen in the game.

Considering his offensive stats and the fact he was so outspoken ‘against’ PEDs, I think he’ll get in.

Ty Cobb was a racist and a club house cancer, but he still got in.

Kent was a hardnose type player. He gave it his all on the field, and had some great numbers to show for it. I do believe Kent will end up in the Hall of Fame. His best years were in the Orange and Black!

King of Cali
SF Giants Rumors
sfgiantsbaseball.net

The guy was a humorless prig. But he’s still a Hall of Fame quality 2nd baseman. The .290 average speaks as loudly as the home runs, which scream. Chowder heads can play as well as anyone, I suppose. Can’t argue against success!

He’s a surefire Hall of Famer. I don’t know about him being first ballot, but he is one of the greatest 2nd basemens of all time.

He’s got a shot, but for sure it wouldn’t be first ballot. His rookie year on the ballot is 2014 and their are three other players with better careers who will also be rookies. Namely Tom Glavine, Frank Thomas and Greg Maddux. And with whoever is left over from the 2013 rookie class of stars, that’s too much competition. He may very well make it, but it’d probably be 2020 at the earliest.

Jeff kent is a very unique player in my opinion. HoF absolutely if I voted first ballot. This player made himself the elite and to our knowledge without the magic needle. Lost in Toronto dumped to the Mets an after thought went to a non hitting park and hooked up with Bonds and made fear in everyone eyes. They from what I know had a hate hate relationship. Bonds would never of been put in top 5 class without either the needle or Kent . Kent made Bonds elite. Some sight Kents attitude and press imagine you being next to the Cancer (Bonds how would you react) Bonds getting the press Kent seeing the scoop. He’s a HoF just for not doing a Canseco on Bonds. Great player Kent a second baseman maybe the second best offensive 2 nd baseman Hornsby , Morgan ? Kent . Modern day like now I have Alomar ,Biggio and Kent I rate Kent #1. Alomar is in Biggio will be and Kent deserves to be the moment he becomes eligible. Wow a spokesperson against PED deserves his place in the hall lets see if the PED players get in lol.

I heard that Houston Astros may rename themselves to the "Houston Heaters".

I know that Astros portion is to honor the Astrodome Stadium, but what does the "Heaters" symbolize?

I hope they don’t change it!! :"|

I guess it’s hot in houston? like miami? or is there a prominent HVAC professional community in the city? Or perhaps it’s for guns like “heater” is slang for guns

Right, they named the team to honor the stadium.

That’s why the Yankees are named the Yankees… it’s after Yankee Stadium.

That’s a terrible name, plus the fact that I’m sure the ACLU will file some kind of complaint stating that the name, “Heaters” refers to a weapon or gun of some kind. A big social no-no. There has to be better names than that!

Since you didn’t mention where or who you heard this, it’s only a rumor. Heaters could mean the high summer temps in Houston or, without a source, weapons

BTW – Astros were not named to honor the Astrodome. They were named Astros to reflect the region of the country where the NASA space program (astronauts) was headquartered. The Astrodome followed the Astros name. AstroTurf followed after – but that’s a different subject.

Holy double header, Batman! Heater is awful. We’ve got to DO something before they are killed. Or worse!

Game 5 – Monday, October 24th, 8:05 PM ET The Ballpark, Arlington, TX

Chris Carpenter (3-0, 3.52) didnt have his best stuff in Game 1s 3-2 win at home, but he managed to get by, giving up a pair of runs on five hits over six innings of work. C.J. Wilson (0-3, 7.17) had trouble with his command, walking six and striking out four, but he only allowed three runs on four hits. Its been an inconsistent postseason for the 30-year-old Wilson, and this is his first appearance at home since Game 1 of the ALCS against Detroit. You have to remember that this is only his second year as a starter and Wilson threw 223.1 innings in the regular season, along with 21.1 innings in the postseason, so fatigue is definitely a factor.

Carpenter is built for this and even when he doesnt have his best stuff, he does enough to keep the Cardinals in the game, and even though he has a 6.99 ERA in five starts at the Ballpark, he has a 2-2 record. You also should count on the St. Louis bats to wake up after a disappointing 4-0 loss in Game 4, and as a +113 MLB betting underdog on Monday night, they would be a smart bet.

Betting Edge: St. Louis Cardinals

Game 6 – Wednesday, October 26th, 8:05 PM ET Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

Colby Lewis (1-1, 2.95) should be familiar with going out on the road as all three of his starts in the playoffs have been away from home, and he pitched 6.2 solid innings in Game 2s 2-1 win for the Rangers, allowing a run on four hits with four strikeouts and a walk. Jaime Garcia (0-2, 3.97) was on the other side, tossing a three-hitter over seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and a walk, but he was let down by Jason Motte, who blew the save in the 9th inning. That was his second straight no-decision, even though he has settled down since getting off to a rough start in the postseason.

Strangely, something similar will happen in this game as well as the Rangers try to stave off elimination with a big performance. Look for the Texas bats to come alive late in the game and in particular, one of their big bats, like Nelson Cruz or Josh Hamilton, who is battling what he thinks is a sports hernia. The Cardinals will probably be favored, but Texas is the MLB betting play on Wednesday night.

Betting Edge: Texas Rangers

Game 7 – Thursday, October 27th, 8:05 PM ET Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (If necessary)

The Rangers Matt Harrison (1-1, 502) and the Cardinals Kyle Lohse (0-2, 7.82) have been penciled in as the starters for Game 7, and neither pitcher made it out of the fourth inning in a 16-7 win for St. Louis in Game 3, which was highlighted by Albert Pujols three-homer performance. Harrison gave up five runs (three earned) on six hits over 3.2 innings, while Lohse gave up three runs on five hits over three innings of work in a game for the offensive fans. Its doubtful that the two will have that type of game again in Game 7, especially in St. Louis where the games have been relatively low-scoring due to a few factors, but most likely the weather. It has been cold and damp in St. Louis, which makes the ball heavier. In Texas, the ball is much easier to hit and the Ballpark has always been known as a hitters park.

This is going to be up in the air and again, the bullpens will probably come into play as Harrison doesnt have much postseason experience and the Rangers are asking him to pitch a Game 7 in the World Series. Lohse, well, he isnt a very good pitcher and definitely pitched above his weight during the regular season. But at home, in a Game 7 setting and a managerial edge with St. Louis Tony LaRussa, St. Louis is the sports betting pick to make here.

Betting Edge: St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers
Sunday, 4:05 PM ET

There could not have been a better ending to an NLDS than Nyjer Morgan pumping one in to the outfield for a walk off victory, and it will be interesting to see if the Brewers can provide their fans with another incredible finish. Milwaukee earned the chance to finish the series at Miller Park where they led the majors in home wins this season, and they got the pitching matchups that they wanted as well. Whether or not they can now turn those advantages into something tangible and end the Cardinals improbable run only time will tell, as players like Albert Pujols fight with everything they have in what could be their final game in a Cardinals uniform. Pujols is among a couple of potential free agents on the roster, and if he is going to go out then he might as well go out in style. The Brewers however have taken nothing for granted and have persevered every step of the way, and it wouldnt be a major surprise if St. Louis magical MLB betting run ends in Milwaukee.

MLB Betting Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers
Sunday, 8:05 PM ET

It is no surprise that if it reaches game seven the Tigers will want to give the ball to Doug Fister, who pitched them to a memorable sports betting bonus win in game seven of the ALDS against the New York Yankees, and proved that he can handle the pressure. Texas will counter with Colby Lewis if it gets to that decisive game, although the Rangers would be happy to put it away in six if they can get the job done in the first of consecutive games at home. The Tigers have proven to be a worthy opponent so far, but Texas has been here before and have every intention of getting the job done. The way that players like Nelson Cruz have delivered in the clutch just makes you believe that this is a team of destiny, although Delmon Young and company may have something to say about that. The Rangers and Tigers both deserve their chance in the World Series but only one team can advance, and in this case experience and home field advantage will make the difference.

MLB Betting Pick: Texas Rangers

What: MLB Betting
When: October 9th-17th (Check best sportsbook for start times)
Where: Games 1, 2, 6, 7 (Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI); Games 3-5 (Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO)
Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Why Bet On St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have the most momentum of any team left in the postseason as they battled hard to put pressure on Atlanta, who collapsed down the stretch, then they managed to hold off Philadelphia, the World Series betting favorites, complete with a 1-0 win on the road in Game 5 in which Chris Carpenter outdueled Roy Halladay. St. Louis has a solid group of veteran players, led by Carpenter and Albert Pujols, who have been here before and relish the pressure of the playoffs. The hitting carried the team in the regular season as the Cardinals led the National League in runs scored and average, and there are few teams in the majors who can boast a mid-lineup order of Pujols, Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday. That isnt to say that their pitching is awful, as Carpenter, Jaime Garcia (despite a rocky Game 1), Edwin Jackson and Kyle Lohse can get the job done, especially the first two. Octavio Dotel, Arthur Rhodes and Marc Rzepczynski have bolstered the bullpen in middle relief, and they were very good down the stretch. The Cardinals have put Jason Motte in the closers role for now, but they can always fall back on Fernando Salas as well.

You have to wonder how much the Cardinals have left in the tank after their massive run to the playoffs, especially a veteran team that has battled some injuries this season. Two months ago, most MLB betting players put the Cardinals out to pasture and they expended a lot of energy just to get here. It actually may be beneficial to play the Brewers, a heated division rival with whom the Cardinals have been physical with, so it should be easy for them to get up for Milwaukee. Also, the bullpen is a worry as it was well below average for most of the season.

Why Bet On Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have homefield advantage, and this is huge for Milwaukee, who won an MLB-high 57 games at home in Miller Park during the regular season, then won all three of their home meetings with Arizona in the NLDS, and then Game 1 against the Cardinals. We know that homefield advantage plays a big role in most sports, but this Milwaukee team is like two different squads when theyre home and away. While the Cardinals have their power trio in the middle of their lineup, the Brewers may have the best one-two punch in the game in Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, and there is potential power throughout the lineup with Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks, who is finally healthy, and dont count out Yuniesky Betancourt. The Brewers can swing the bat with anyone in the majors, and that means theyre never out of a game. But they got to this point by improving their starting rotation with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, picking them up to go with Yovani Gallardo, who is one of the most underrated hurlers in the major leagues. Milwaukee also has a deadly late-inning duo in Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford, and their middle relief is effective as well. The Brewers feel like theyre a team of destiny, and one that may be broken up due to financial issues after this year, so theyre playing with urgency.

But that can backfire on the Brewers, who cant let their emotions get the best of them, especially against their division rivals. The Brewers have the edge in talent over the Cardinals, but its all about keeping their heads and not trying to do too much, especially away from home. Milwaukees trouble on the road is a head-scratcher, which puts a lot of pressure on them to maintain their perfection at home. If they dropped a game in Miller Park, can they get it back in St. Louis?

How It Will Play Out

Milwaukee should be the MLB betting favorites, and Game 1 was the 19th time that these two have met in 2011, so there arent many secrets left between them. Its been almost even as the Brewers are 10-9 against the Cardinals this year, with 10 games coming in under the posted total (along with a couple of pushes).

This has seven games written all over it, and the Brewers need to be able to take at least one game in St. Louis, where theyve lost six of their last 10. They should be able to snatch a game on the road and send their bitter rivals packing after a wild series. The Cardinals will make it interesting with their experience, but the Brewers have too many weapons and will break through to reach the World Series. Take Milwaukee with your online betting baseball picks.

Cardinals Brewers Betting Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Why Bet on Detroit

The Tigers are favored to win game one of this series, and Detroit also stands as the favorite to become AL Champions. The betting sites consider that a neat trick when you remember that the Tigers were chasing the Cleveland Indians for half the season for the AL Central title. Detroit wasnt even a playoff favorite at the All-Star break. But there are plenty of good reasons to bet on the Detroit Tigers to win the AL pennant.

The Detroit Tigers come into the playoffs with the hottest pitching staff in baseball. It is more than just Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander (although he is a huge part of the reason why Detroit beat the Yankees). But there are other starters such as Doug Fister and Max Scherzer that also helped put the beat down on the Yankees. Detroits offense did not really help as it only scored 17 runs in the five games of the ALDS. But the pitching in Detroit should help carry the Tigers far.

Why Bet on Texas

The Rangers did not make it easy on themselves by getting blown out in the first game of its ALDS series against the Tampa Bay Rays 9-0. But the online wagering crowd in Texas relaxed when the Rangers starting pitching finally clicked in for the playoffs. The Rangers do not have the convenience of calling on a Cliff Lee to win games in the post-season. But the young Ranger pitching staff that enters the playoffs have shown that it is more than capable of winning big games.

How it Will Play Out

The Rangers young pitching staff has shown that it can respond to big games and make a difference in a series. After the game one blowout against the Rays, the Rangers staff settled in and allowed only 12 runs in the next three games before clinching the series. But questions still remain about the ability of the Rangers staff to be World Series-caliber.

The Tigers are really rolling both on the mound and on offense. Detroit came into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams down the stretch, and maintained its momentum into the playoffs. It will be a tall task to ask a young Rangers team to stop Detroit.

Pick: Detroit Tigers

“From a team standpoint, it’s going to take time,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “We would love to see it happen sooner rather than later.”

Coming off the club’s first 100-loss season, the Astros’ chances of escaping last place in the National League Central will hinge on the development of, among others, third baseman Jimmy Paredes, second baseman Jose Altuve and left fielder J.D. Martinez — three rookies who started the final two months after being called up from Double-A Corpus Christi.

The Astros were among the worst teams in baseball in run production, even with veteran Carlos Lee approaching the century mark once again. Earlier this year, Astros manager Brad Mills said catcher Jason Castro will be one of the team’s key players next year.

Castro was pegged to be the starting catcher in 2011 before he tore up his knee in Spring Training and wound up missing the entire season.

More than anything else, Houston’s success in 2012 might hinge on a pitching rotation that was up and down in 2011. The returns of Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, Bud Norris and J.A. Happ at the top of the rotation give the Astros four pitchers capable of forming a solid core. Jordan Lyles and Henry Sosa will push for starts, too.

Another key to the Astros’ fortunes will be the bullpen, where a bevy of young arms made their debuts this year. Houston’s staff likes what it has in youngsters Juan Abreu, Xavier Cedeno, David Carpenter and Fernando Rodriguez, but the Astros must do a better job of closing out games after being among the worst in baseball in converted saves.

The Astros stripped down their payroll — trading Jeff Keppinger, Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn — at the Trade Deadline as the team awaited a transfer of ownership to a group led by Jim Crane from Drayton McLane. Of course, with the deal having yet been approved by Major League Baseball, it remains to be seen how the unsettled ownership situation affects the club’s plans this winter.

The club doesn’t figure to be a big player in free agency, so the young players will again be the focus.

Catcher: Castro, the team’s first-round pick in 2008, was going to be the starter in 2011 before he tore up his knee in Spring Training and had season-ending surgery. Castro is expected to be healthy and finally take over as starting catcher, with steady Humberto Quintero returning to back him up after getting the bulk of the starts this year.

First base: Lee made the move to first base from left field after the club brought up Martinez following the trade of Pence, and El Caballo performed quite well. He’ll be in the last year of his six-year, $100 million next season and will occupy first base, which means Brett Wallace will have to wait.

Second base: Pint-sized Altuve played second base for the final two months of the 2011 season and, as of now, figures to be the starter next year. Altuve is a polished defensive player, who put up gaudy numbers in the Minor Leagues, but he doesn’t hit for power and doesn’t draw many walks.

Third base: Paredes, who was called up on Aug. 1, will return at third base, unless the Astros decide to switch him back to the middle of the infield and give Chris Johnson another crack at third base. Paredes showed some promise with the bat, but he was a little unsteady at times on defense. Still, the Astros love his athletic ability.

Shortstop: Clint Barmes is a free agent, so his return is up in the air. The Astros like what he brings to the table, especially on a young team, and would like to keep him, but Barmes will probably try to test the free-agent waters. The Astros could decide to move Paredes to shortstop if Barmes doesn’t return, or try to identify another starter in the Minors or through free agency.

Left field: Martinez was called up when Pence was traded and was plugged into left field, replacing Lee (who was moved to first). All that Martinez did was drive in 28 runs in August and establish himself as a dangerous hitter in the third spot in the order. The sky appears to be the limit.

Center field: With Bourn out of the picture, center field remains up for grabs. Jordan Schafer, who came from Atlanta in the Bourn trade, will be in the mix, along with veteran Jason Bourgeois. The Astros drafted a center fielder — George Springer — with their top pick in the 2011 Draft, but he’s a year away at the earliest.

Right field: Brian Bogusevic, J.B. Shuck and Bourgeois split most of the starts in right field after Pence was traded, and all three figure to be in the mix next year. The Astros also had the versatile Matt Downs step in and get some starts in right field at the end of the year. The job is wide open for 2012.

Starting pitching: Barring a trade, the rotation should return intact: Myers, Rodriguez, Norris, Happ and Sosa, who joined the rotation when Lyles was sent to the Minors to limit his innings. There will be some battles for jobs, but there is no shortage of viable candidates.

Relief pitching: The Astros featured a young and inexperienced bullpen in 2011, and it showed. They have promising arms in rookies Abreu, Carpenter, Cedeno and Rodriguez, while Wilton Lopez and Mark Melancon will be back to anchor the back of the bullpen. Melancon pitched well in his first season as closer, but Brandon Lyon should return after missing nearly all of 2011 with an arm injury.

Bench: The Astros have one of the best bench players in baseball in Matt Downs, who was a huge force. Unless he wins a starting job, they’ll welcome him back in the same role. Bourgeois is a solid bench player in the outfield if he doesn’t start, and the Astros likely won’t bring free-agent outfielder Jason Michaels back. Quintero will slide back into the backup catching role when Castro returns from his knee injury.