In 1991, with the high-stakes drama of the 1986 NLCS well behind them and franchise stars like Nolan Ryan moved on, the Houston Astros were mired in mediocrity and entering a rebuilding phase. They were buoyed by the emergence of a rookie they’d acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Red Sox, moving pitcher Larry Anderson for a first base prospect named Jeff Bagwell, who would go on to win NL ROY. Right and left field were manned by a pair of 22- and 23-year-olds, respectively, in Karl Rhodes and Luis Gonzalez, with 26-year-old Steve Finley sandwiched between them.
Dynasties and developmental curves: Mariners defeat upstart A’s, 8-1
