HOUSTON ASTROS - Major Needs, Minor Seeds

The face of the Astros organization now plays for the Phillies.

For two years running, the Astros have been Major League Baseball's shopping center.  Everything is for sale at the right price.  Even the club's two best players, outfielders Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn, now call the National League's Eastern Division home.

A year earlier, this once proud NL Central contender dumped franchise legends Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman.  Heck, the team itself is for sale...rumor has it the 'Stros should change hands within the next two weeks after owner Drayton McLane shook hands with Texas oil mogul Jim Crane.

Then there's this business about Houston jumping to the American League.

Chaos and upheaval are the buzz words for this identity-starved franchise.  Like most teams in this situation, the "Major Needs" take a backseat to the "Minor Seeds."  In other words, you won't see the Astros go after big name free agents this offseason.  Instead you'll see them rely on a farm system chock full of potential.

MAJOR NEEDS:

• Bring in Pudge

Ivan Rodriguez is 40 years old, guaranteed for the Hall of Fame, and probably ready to hang 'em up.  But if any team should go after the veteran backstop, it's the Astros.  

When you're rebuilding with a young roster and an inexperienced pitching staff, you want a guy behind the plate that knows the game cold.  Pudge has been there, done that.  And he's done it plenty in the Lone Star State, for years with the Rangers and for part of 2009 with these very Astros.  In fact, I-Rod's last productive stint at the plate came in a half-season with Houston back in '09, when he hit over .250 with decent pop (8 HR).  No, he won't win a Gold Glove or start more than two out of three games.  But Ivan Rodriguez would be an excellent veteran presence for a group whose average age might be 25.  

• Consider signing a cornerstone

New owner, new Division, new roster.  What's supposed to bring Houstonites to the ballpark?  Why invest yourself in this team?  

Baseball is also a business, and if Jim Crane wants a return on his $680 million investment, he'll have to put money back into the team.  Shortstop Clint Barmes is a free agent, which opens the door for top-tier speedster Jose Reyes.  If Reyes (or any other high profile free agent) is willing to play for a team out of contention like Houston, they'll need an especially hefty paycheck.  Crane should have the money, and now's not the time to be stingy.

• Sit back and observe

More likely than not, the Astros will sign only middle and low-range players to complement their young nucleus.  2012 should be about watching the progress of the young talent that's already in place.  Youngsters Brett Wallace and Chris Johnson have already flashed potential on the infield corners.  A couple others are worth tracking this season...

Norris will have no run support in 2012, but he's got ace potential

• Bud Norris (RHP) - This guy has front of the rotation potential and flashed it in 2011.  A great guy for the Astros staff to build around.
• J.D. Martinez (LF) - Pretty solid stats (.742 OPS) in over 50 games as a rookie.  Hit third for Houston once he was called up (yikes).
• Brian Bogusevic (RF) - Hit .287 over 164 AB's and showcased a mighty arm in right field.  Just don't ask me how to pronounce his last name.
• Matt Downs (UTIL) - Performed surprisingly well (.864 OPS, 10 HR) in approximately 200 AB's, and can play all over the field.  Has earned a starting job somewhere in 2012.

 MINOR SEEDS

The Astros have placed all their marbles in this bag, so it better come together.  By trading away practically their entire team over the past couple years, they've built up a compelling Minor League player base.  The names below could make or break the Astros franchise over the next decade.

• Jarred Cosart (RHP) - Acquired from Philadelphia in the Pence deal, this hard-throwing right-hander and Texas native could see his chance at big league action before the end of 2012.  Electric stuff but herky-jerky mechanics are a concern.

• Jordan Lyles (RHP) - He's been talked up for years, and he's still just 21.  Solid numbers in AAA last season (3.61 ERA) means he'll get a chance at some big league starts if he opens up 2012 on the right note.

• Paul Clemens (RHP) - No, he's not Roger's son (that's Koby Clemens, also an Astros Minor Leaguer).  Unlike Kobe, Paul Clemens has immediate major league potential, and could crack the bigs before any other Houston prospect.  His ceiling can't compare with Cosart and Lyles, but he's been consistent at every level and deserves a shot.

Jonathan Singleton should start 2012 in AA

• Jonathan Singleton (1B) - The other key piece to the Hunter Pence trade.  He was blocked at first base by Ryan Howard, and he's still blocked in Houston by Carlos Lee.  El Caballo should be riding out before too long, and Singleton will have a chance to prove himself. 

• David Carpenter (RHP) - He's not on anyone's radar, but credit Carpenter for making the most of a mid-season call-up to AAA.  He dominated as the Oklahoma City Redhawks closer, converting all nine save chance and posting an unblemished 0.00 ERA in 19 IP.  

• George Springer (OF) - I once saw this guy hit a deep fly ball that bounced off of OF Zach Cone's (Rangers 2nd round pick 2011) head for a HR.  He's not only an incredibly gifted athlete but the baseball gods are clearly on his side.  Springer is year's out from contributing but has just as much potential as anyone on this list.

NEXT UP: MILWAUKEE BREWERS