Statistical analysts claim that baseball players tend to peak between the ages of 26 and 32. If that finding is accurate, then Astros fans have reason to be optimistic about the next few seasons. Aside from a pair of future Hall of Famers and a veteran catcher renown for his defense, the Astros have a prospective line-up entering its prime. Ages are as of opening day 2002:

Pos  Player       Age
---------------------
C    Ausmus        32
1B   Bagwell       33
2B   Biggio        36
3B   Ensberg       26
SS   Everett       25
LF   Ward          26
CF   Hidalgo       26
RF   Berkman       26

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Editor’s note - This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.
I often have thought that the easiest job in the United States of America must be coaching or managing a baseball team.  That must be so because everyone who has seen a game thinks the job is easy.  In this age of information, excessive analysis, computer simulations and fantasy leagues, people who do not know that baseball players also must play defense are front office wannabes just waiting to be discovered.  There is no shortage of armchair “experts” who are willing to tell the real experts how to do their jobs.  Why should I be different? Read the rest of this entry »

By Michael N

Editor’s note - This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on December 4, 2001.
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