When Drew Smyly imagined what his major league debut would be like, he never pictured anything as strange as the real thing.

Michael Bourn has been putting it all on display lately, whether it's running the bases, hitting the ball hard down the line or backing up his pitcher on the defensive end.


Houston Astros - Chicago Cubs - Run batted in - Michael Bourn - Baseball

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). SPRING FOCUS: Tops on the Astros' to-do list are sorting out the bullpen, with offseason acquisitions Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon competing for the closer role, and deciding on an everyday catcher. Also worth keeping an eye on is how the bottom of the rotation will shape up, with Brian Moehler and Felipe Paulino likely competing for the No. 5 spot. 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 Humberto Quintero 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 or OF Brian Bogusevic C J.R. Towles or C Jason Castro 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. Castro and Towles will battle for the backup catcher spot to begin the season, with Castro poised to claim the starting role as the year progresses. TOP ROOKIES: Talk about pressure: SS Tommy Manzella takes over Miguel Tejada's duties, which instantly improves the Astros' defense. Manzella's offensive contributions remain to be seen, however. He hit .289 (.339 on-base percentage, .417 slugging percentage) with nine home runs and 56 RBIs for Class AAA Round Rock last season. C Jason Castro is one of the Astros' top prospects, and he appears to have the tools, talent and brains to be the starting catcher at some point this season. He hit .293 (.362 OBP, .385 slugging) with three homers and 29 RBIs in 63 games with Class AA Corpus Christi in 2009. MEDICAL WATCH: --1B Lance Berkman (bruised left knee) was to have loose bodies surgically removed. He was expected to miss two to four weeks, leaving him questionable for opening day. --RHP Brandon Lyon (right shoulder weakness) threw live batting practice for the first time March 12. He said his arm felt good after throwing 25 pitches. --RHP Alberto Arias (neck) saw team physician David Lintner and was cleared of any rotator cuff issues. He was expected to begin throwing in mid-March. --RHP Matt Nevarez (shoulder soreness) had done limited work as March 12.