In his first season as a major league manager, Brad Mills takes over a team that boasts a new third baseman, a rookie shortstop, a weakened bullpen that needs to be sorted out and no clear starter at catcher. The Astros are counting on defense and pitching to help them contend, but a priority has to be finding a way to make up for the loss of Miguel Tejada's offensive contributions. ARRIVALS: RHP Matt Lindstrom (trade with Marlins), 3B Pedro Feliz (free agent from Phillies), RHP Brandon Lyon (free agent from Tigers), RHP Brett Myers (free agent from Phillies), OF Cory Sullivan (minor league free agent from Mets), C Kevin Cash (minor league free agent from Yankees). DEPARTURES: RHP LaTroy Hawkins (free agent, signed with Brewers), C Chris Coste (free agent, signed with Mets), RHP Jose Valverde (free agent, signed with Tigers), SS Miguel Tejada (free agent, signed with Orioles), RHP Doug Brocail (retired), INF Aaron Boone (free agent, retired), INF/OF Darin Erstad (free agent, unsigned), LHP Mike Hampton (free agent, unsigned). PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Roy Oswalt 2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez 3. RHP Brett Myers 4. RHP Bud Norris 5. RHP Brian Moehler The addition of Myers gives the rotation much-needed bite -- and depth. He is a workhorse who can go 200-plus innings when healthy. Oswalt remains the ace, but his back is a major concern. The Astros hope Rodriguez can at least replicate last season's performance that earned him team pitcher of the year honors. RHP Felipe Paulino, who can throw in the triple digits but has had control issues, will challenge Norris (6-3 in 10 starts as a rookie in 2009) and veteran Moehler for one of remaining two spots. But if the Astros want to go the safe route, he will start the year in Class AAA Round Rock. PROJECTED BULLPEN: RHP Matt Lindstrom (closer) RHP Brandon Lyon LHP Tim Byrdak RHP Jeff Fulchino RHP Chris Sampson RHP Alberto Arias Lindstrom and Lyon have big shoes to fill. The bullpen is decidedly weaker without RHPs Jose Valverde and LaTroy Hawkins. Lindstrom and Lyon will compete for the role of closer. Lyon, who was signed to a three-year, $15 million deal, was considered the top candidate for the job, but he will enter spring training at least 10 days behind schedule after having a cyst in his right shoulder drained. That gives Lindstrom an edge. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. CF Michael Bourn 2. 2B Kaz Matsui 3. LF Carlos Lee 4. 1B Lance Berkman 5. 3B Pedro Feliz 6. RF Hunter Pence 7. SS Tommy Manzella 8. C J.R. Towles or C Jason Castro New manager Brad Mills already has a lineup in mind, with its biggest question mark being rookie Manzella, whom Mills describes as an unknown on offense. Bourn is a lock at the top, with Matsui to follow -- provided he stays healthy. Newcomer Pedro Feliz could go fifth behind power hitters Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman; he was acquired for his defensive skills but also for his pop potential. Manzella likely will end up seventh. PROJECTED RESERVES: INF Geoff Blum INF Jeff Keppinger INF Chris Johnson OF Jason Michaels OF Cory Sullivan C Humberto Quintero Blum, who made 102 appearances at third base in 2009, will be utility infielder. The Astros won't hesitate to put Blum at second if Matsui struggles, and they might use him at third in tandem with Feliz. Sullivan replaces Darin Erstad as the backup left-handed bat in the outfield. Quintero provides a veteran backup for whichever young catcher lands the top job. MEDICAL WATCH: --1B Lance Berkman (sore left knee) had arthroscopic surgery March 13. He remained optimistic about an opening-day return. --RHP Alberto Arias (neck) had thrown two bullpen sessions in mid-March and was pronounced ready to begin throwing to hitters in live batting practice. --OF Michael Bourn (right oblique strain) was scratched from a start in mid-March. He was not expected to swing a bat for two to three days. --RHP Yorman Bazardo (sore right rotator cuff) had to cut off a bullpen session in mid-March.