The Astros enter their final season in the National League with a new general manager, new owner and little hope.

Major additions: SS Jed Lowrie, RHP Kyle Weiland, C Chris Snyder
Major departures: RHP Mark Melancon, SS Clint Barmes, OF Jason Bourgeois

Probable lineup
1. Jordan Schafer CF
2. Jose Altuve 2B
3. J.D. Martinez LF
4. Carlos Lee 1B
5. Brian Bogusevic RF
6. Jed Lowrie SS
7. Jimmy Paredes 3B
8. Chris Snyder C

Probable rotation
1. Wandy Rodriguez
2. Bud Norris
3. J.A. Happ
4. Livan Hernandez
5. Jordan Lyles

Back-end bullpen
Closer: Brett Myers
Set-up: Wilton Lopez, Sergio Escalona, David Carpenter

Important bench players
C Jason Castro, 1B Brett Wallace

Prospect to watch
There will be plenty of eyes on outfielder George Springer, taken with the 11th overall pick in last year's draft. Springer, who can play any of the outfield spots, was given the largest bonus in Astros draft history ($2.525 million) and appeared in eight games at short-season Tri-City last year. He'll likely start the season in low Class A at Lexington, but with his combination of power, speed and defensive prowess, he's got a chance to be something special.

Fantasy sleeper: J.D. Martinez
"Martinez sped through the minors thanks to a .342 average, .414 on-base percentage and .958 OPS. He has more of a line-drive swing and is a better doubles hitter, but he could get some cheap homers at Minute Maid Park. The good news for Martinez is that manager Brad Mills is likely to hit him third in front of Carlos Lee. Martinez hit .295 with five homers, 12 doubles and 31 RBI in 44 games batting third in 2011." -- Michael Hurcomb [Full Astros fantasy preview]

Fantasy late-round flier: Bud Norris
"Norris is averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings in his career, which is his strongest Fantasy asset. However, Norris also lowered his ERA to 3.77 and his WHIP to 1.33 in 2011. It's also worth pointing out that opponents have hit .256 or worse against Norris the last two seasons. He remains only a late-round flier because the wins could be hard to come by, but Norris definitely has appeal as a back-of-the-rotation Fantasy arm." -- Michael Hurcomb [Full Astros fantasy preview]

Optimistic outlook
Not too many people are using the word "optimistic" anywhere near the Astros. The team's offense looks anemic and its pitching is iffy -- and this is in the optimistic part of the equation. Want optimism? Well, with the throwbacks they're slated to wear for their anniversary, they'll look good (or at least interesting). And the Cubs and Pirates could struggle, meaning there's a shot they won't finish last. Yep, that's what passes for optimism in Houston this year.

Pessimistic outlook
1962 New YorkMets. 2003 Detroit Tigers. 1935 Boston Braves. 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates.