The Pecan Park Eagle

“NOW BATTING FOR THE FORMER ASTROS …. IT’S PENCE …. HUNTER PENCE …. THE RIGHT FIELDER!”

Just eyeballing the Houston Chronicle Box Scores and occasionally going to MLB.com, here’s a starting lineup of some active former Astros players who might be able to win a game or two for Houston if they were still around and not been written off as the past with no role in the future:

(1) Michael Bourn, CF (Indians) – .333

(2) Jed Lowrie, SS (Athletics) – .357

(3) Lance Berkman, 1B (Rangers) – .389

(4) Hunter Pence, RF (Giants) – .263

(5)  J.B. Shuck, LF (Angels) – .333

(6) Luke Scott, DH (Rays) – .324

(7) Ben Zobrist, 2B (Rays) – .302

(8) Ty Wigginton, 3B (Cardinals) – .167

(9) Humberto Quintero (Phillies) – .182

(10 SP) Wandy Rodriguez (Pirates) – (1-0, 1.00 ERA)

Notes: I’m taking a chance on Lance at 1st to get Luke into the lineup as DH. If Lance can’t handle the field, we can always switch their positions. Luke can play some first base too. – Ben Zobrist is now playing mostly outfield, but he has a lot of experience in the infield and a full season at second base – which is where I’m putting him.

I don’t have much time this morning, but all suggestions are welcome for how we can make this lineup even stronger, based on this year’s stat results. Wiggy and Q are presently the weak sticks on the field. Nothing new about that.

One other criterion note: I did not use any former Astros who left the club by their own choice. That eliminated guys like Carlos Beltran from consideration.