Houston Astros Organization Discussion

By John Sickels@MinorLeagueBall Jan 28, 2014, 9:02am EST

I am now working on the Milwaukee Brewers prospect list for 2014. The next team in line is the Houston Astros, to be followed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Texas Rangers.

Use this thread to discuss the Houston Astros organization. Here are some points of potential discussion:

***The major league team was horrendous last year but that was expected. What do you think about 2014? Any chance that the team will improve significantly on the big league field this year?

***Whatever happens in Houston directly, Jeff Luhnow and his front office staff have made great strides in boosting the farm system through drafting and trades. Or at least that's my take on the topic. What about yours? Will anyone speak up for the skeptics and contrarians?

***Even if you like what the Astros are doing, there is always room for improvement. If you could do something differently, what would it be?

***True or False: George Springer's strikeouts are not going to be a problem.

***True or False: the paucity of first base prospects in baseball today leads people to overrate Jonathan Singleton.

***True or False: Brett Oberholtzer is not a fluke and while a 2.75 ERA should not be expected, he will remain an above-average pitcher.

***As always, feel free to discuss sleepers that you like.