The Astros remained in postseason contention until Sept. 26 despite playing in the NL Central with the league-leading Cubs and wild-card-winning Brewers. They were optimistic and are only three players or so away from serious contention.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Astros need another quality starting pitcher, and Cecil Cooper and Ed Wade made clear they will go after one this winter. FREE AGENTS: INF Mark Loretta, LHP Randy Wolf, C Brad Ausmus, RHP Doug Brocail.
Ausmus made it clear he will not return to Houston. Brocail's 2009 contract option was declined by the Astros, but they said they still want to re-sign him. The team made an offer to Wolf.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: SS David Newhan, LHP Wandy Rodriguez, RHP Brandon Backe, 3B Ty Wigginton, RHP Geoff Geary.
The Astros will try to retain all of them.
IN LIMBO: The Astros don't have much trade bait.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Chris Sampson (right elbow tendon surgery in October 2008) will need four to six months to recover, meaning he might miss spring training.
RHP Geoff Geary (groin surgery in October 2008) should be fully healthy in time for spring training.
LF Carlos Lee (left pinkie surgery in August 2008) was fully recovered by mid-November.
