The Astros have a good mixture of hitting and pitching talent on the way up.

Daryle Ward should see plenty of playing time in 2000, with Lance Berkman on his tail should Ward struggle. Infielders Julio Lugo and Adam Everett are nearly ready, while there is a solid group of hard-throwing pitchers at the middle levels.

Houston has an aggressive scouting and player development program in Venezuela, which has brought a lot of talent into the organization this decade.

This, combined with decent recent draft classes, gives the Astros a deep system, especially in pitching, despite a player development budget that is less than many richer clubs.

First-rounder Michael Rosamond, an outfielder from the University of Mississippi, has excellent physical tools, but isn't at all refined for a college player. To be honest, I am skeptical about his long-term value, but he has plenty of time to prove me wrong. Second-rounders Jay Perez, a high school catcher from Connecticut, and Travis Anderson, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Washington, are interesting. Perez has a strong lefty bat and good defensive tools, while Anderson has a solid low-90s fastball and a good sinker.

Third-rounder Jim Barrett, from high school in Maryland, is a raw high school pitcher with a 94-mph fastball. Fourth-round pick Jon Topolski, from Baylor, is fast and will take a walk, but has to prove his bat will hold up at higher levels. Other draftees of interest include Southern Utah product Nick Roberts, a seventh-round right-handed pitcher with a live arm; 12th-rounder Royce Huffman, a third baseman from TCU; and sixth-round pick Jason Lane, a power-hitting first baseman from USC.

Overall, this looks like a fairly mediocre draft class, dependent on the ability of raw players like Rosamond and Barrett to develop.

2) Lance Berkman, OF: Bat is ready for the majors, and he has adjusted to the outfield. Waiting for Daryle Ward to slump, which isn't likely to happen, or for a trade.

3) Tony McKnight, RHP: Overcame years of arm trouble to post a 2.75 ERA in the difficult Texas League. Hits 93 mph with a good curve and sharp control.

4) Mitch Melusky, C: Remember this guy? He was a hot prospect a year ago, but missed almost all of 1999 with a shoulder injury. Healthy now, he will hit if given the chance.

5) Wade Miller, RHP: Probably the pitcher closest to helping. Good fastball/slider combination. Trained as a starter, but I think he would make a great relief pitcher.

Eric Ireland, RHP: Doesn't have a blazing fastball, but gets people out with his curve and his control. Will have to prove himself in Double-A, but I think he will.

Julio Lugo, SS: Hit .319 with 10 homers and 25 steals in Double-A. Will probably move to second base to accommodate Everett.

Aaron McNeal, 1B: Hit .310 with 38 homers and 131 RBI in the Midwest League. Power is real, but strike zone judgment is questionable.

Mike Nannini, RHP: Throws 94 mph with sharp command. Needs to work on his slider, but he is very young and has plenty of time to learn it.