There will be a lot of competition this spring for the Astros. The extra Grapefruit League games prompted by the World Baseball Classic likely will be needed as the Astros search for answers regarding their pitching depth, the catching position, third base and the backup shortstop job behind Miguel Tejada.

Tejada himself will be facing an avalanche of media attention after pleading guilty to lying to Congressional staffers investigating steroids in baseball.

With closer Jose Valverde and veteran setup men Doug Brocail and LaTroy Hawkins firmly entrenched in their roles, the club will have opportunities to watch other bullpen arms in what promises to be one of the liveliest fights for roster spots.

Left-handers Tim Byrdak and Wesley Wright and right-handers Chris Sampson and Geoff Geary return from last season. They'll be pushed, however, by Bud Norris, Felipe Paulino, Rule 5 pick Gilbert De La Vara and Fernando Nieve, a once-promising prospect who is out of options and must make the club or be put through waivers.

"We were very pleased with the composition of the bullpen at the end of the season, and everybody's back," general manager Ed Wade said. "Now, whether they all end up making the club remains to be seen."

The Astros will weigh whether they are willing to lose Nieve, a right-hander. That isn't a concern with Paulino, but his power arm could eventually fit in the rotation or bullpen.

"If Felipe Paulino doesn't win a spot in the rotation, he's got options remaining. But we can't walk past the possibility of considering him as a bullpen piece," Wade said.

"We got guys like Danny Graves in camp. Chad Paronto is back in camp. All of these guys are going to be out there trying to put their best foot forward and see if they can impress somebody."

A year ago, the Astros headed into camp set to hand over the starting catching job to J.R. Towles with longtime starter Brad Ausmus expected to serve as the backup and mentor. Now look for a strong battle for the catcher's spot behind Humberto Quintero.

WHERE, WHEN: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against the Nationals.

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: CF Michael Bourn struggled in his first season with the Astros after he was acquired from Philadelphia as the main piece received for closer Brad Lidge. Some fans soured on him, but he made great progress in the Dominican winter league playing for Aguilas, cutting down on his strikeouts while showing more patience and a willingness to bunt for hits.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: 2B Kaz Matsui showed flashes of brilliance while sparking the offense when healthy, but he was plagued late in the season with back problems and early in the season with anal fissures. The Astros need Matsui, and it's hard to believe he can just completely put the back problems behind him.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Cecil Cooper, who has a 101-91 record over his brief career, will enter his second full season. He readily admitted to the players that they helped him overcome a rough patch early last season. He admits he must figure out a way to disguise his feelings, but the former All-Star's good-natured personality fit in well and helped the club have the best record in the second half of last season.