By all accounts, it looks like it's now a 4 man race. Redding, Duckworth, Burba, & Astacio. I hope to god it's not one of the first two. And I just don't know if Astacio is ready. Burba might be the most attractive option, but he's been kind of a journey man. There's always a reason for that. Oh well, I hope that one of them steps up this year.

I sure hope it is astocio. Redding and Duckworth showed what they could do last year. And I think Burba is over the hill.

Duckworthless is actually having a good spring so far. He 1-0 with a 2.79 era in 9.2 innings. Astacio had another fine outing today. They could send him to Round Rock to start the season as I don't think they need a 5th starter for the first couple of weeks. He looks really good but I don't know how well he will make the jump from AA to the Show. Will he be like Oswalt or like Redding. Only time will tell I guess.

Astacio was the key to the Wagner trade, along with Bucholz, who is coming back from injury.

Astacio will be the 5th starter. Houston has basically said that since they will not need a 5th starter until either April 17th or 19th, that Astacio would make two starts at AAA Round Rock.

Burba got rocked today and there is a decent chance he will be released. Redding and Duckworth are out of options.

Houston wants to trade Redding and probably will over the next 10 days. He is a head case anyway.

Duckworth is not a good option, but he is pitching better than Burba. He is much younger and I think since he is out of options, he will end up being the swing man / long man out of the bullpen.

Astacio pithced great today, 5 strikeouts over 4 innings. Even if he is not ready to be a starter this year, they will try him. If he stinks, you send him down. However, the scouts are saying he has great stuff.

Astacio is going to be the guy.