The bullpen promises to be the Astros' strength, perhaps even having enough bodies to help the team land a starter or a backup shortstop via trade. 

The bullpen promises to be the Astros' strength, perhaps even having enough bodies to help the team land a starter or a backup shortstop via trade. 

It's a cold Thursday night in mid-January, and two police SUVs pull up in front of an Academy Sports and Outdoors store in North Richland Hills, an otherwise peaceful community between Dallas and Fort Worth. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

GM Jim Hendry has the Cubs looking strong in a deflated National League. 

Astros fans will start getting to know catcher Jason Castro, the club's first-round pick from the 2008 draft, as he participates in his first spring training as a non-roster invitee. 

--INF David Newhan signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, and he's in great position to earn a spot on the Opening Day 25-man roster. 

The Astros remained in postseason contention until Sept. 

Astros fans will start getting to know catcher Jason Castro, the club's first-round pick from the 2008 draft, as he participates in his first spring training as a non-roster invitee. 

--INF David Newhan signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, and he's in great position to earn a spot on the Opening Day 25-man roster. 

The Astros remained in postseason contention until Sept.