Ten years ago this offseason, the Astros were coming off a disappointing 74-88 record, which was only good for fifth place in a rather weak NL Central. By Baseball-Reference’s version of Wins Above Replacement, Michael Bourn (5.0 bWAR) was Houston’s best player heading into the next decade. Ed Wade was also the general manager and Junction Jack was still lurking at Minute Maid Park. The bottom had yet to truly fall out from under the franchise, but it was quickly approaching.
Fast forward ten years, and, well, what can I tell you?
The Astros are fresh off their second World Series appearance in three seasons.