2006 Houston Astros

2006 Houston Astros / Franchise: Houston Astros / BR Team Page[edit]

Record: 82-80, Finished 2nd in NL Central Division (2006 NL)

General Manager: Tim Purpura

Coaches: Mark Bailey (bullpen), Sean Berry (hitting, from July 12), Cecil Cooper (bench), Jose Cruz Sr. (first base), Gary Gaetti (hitting, until July 12), Jim Hickey (pitching) and Doug Mansolino (third base)

Ballpark: Minute Maid Park

History, Comments, Contributions[edit]

The bulk of the Astros 2006 season was forgettable as they hovered at or below the .500 mark much of the season. However, three developments kept the Astros' season interesting until the next-to-last game of the season:

Strong second-half pitching from Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens, and Andy Pettitte
A generally weak National League
An almost-historic collapse by the St. Louis Cardinals

The Astros could not capitalize on the bad fortunes of the eventual champs, loosing 2 of 3 in the season-ending series against the Atlanta Braves, and were forced out of the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

The bullpen was shaky at best with Brad Lidge demoted from the closer role. The offense was forgettable as well. Everyday starters Brad Ausmus, Adam Everett, and Willy Taveras were among the bottom ten in the NL for OPS to end the year. The one bright spot was Lance Berkman had a career year with no protection in the line up.