From the CTH archives

Now that the Astros season is over and the playoffs are in full swing, we can take a moment to look back into the archives at some of our predictions and prognostications.

One hot topic that I like to cover this time of year is potential roster movement. Earlier today I posted my first such article of the offseason. Trimming down the 40-man roster to make room for developing prospects is the first step in a process that lasts right up until Opening Day. Players on the 40-man are immune from being lost in the Rule 5 Draft. One of the first articles I published here at CTH, back in February of 2011, attempts to explain exactly what the Rule 5 Draft means.

Last offseason I also took a look at who might be on their way out of Houston. In retrospect, I’d have to say I did a pretty good job. Since there were so many fringe players on the roster at that time, I had to break it up into two posts — one for pitchers, and another for position players.

I also did a piece on the prospects that I thought the Astros should add to the 40-man at this time last year. As it turns out, seven of the nine players that I suggested ended up making their big league debuts with the Astros in 2013. Stay tuned for this year’s article on that same subject. I should have it posted early next week.

Back in March, the CTH staff posted our MLB Power Rankings. How did we do? Not so great overall. Our number one team (and 3 of our top 6) failed to make the playoffs. We also drastically underrated the Red Sox. But don’t blame that on Ray Kuhn. If you listen to our Blasting Off podcast you know our resident East Coast editor has been a believer in the BoSox since Spring Training.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. We will have to do it again sometime.

Jonathan Villar (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)