Smoltz Tomahawk-Chops the Astros' Playoff Hopes

Turn out the lights at the home that Enron built. The Astros slammed their own door shut with a 3-1 loss to John Smoltz and the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, stranding 11 runners and committing two costly errors. Oh, by the way, the Cardinals lost that day as well. While the Cardinals certainly don't deserve to win the Central, neither do the Astros. With an anemic offense, only two consistent starting pitchers (Roger Clemens and Roy Oswalt), and a faltering Brad Lidge losing his closer's role at the end of the season to Dan Wheeler, the Stros were lucky that they were in the running on the last day of the season. They finally turned on their engines for the last two weeks but it was too little and much too late.

Click below for a look ahead to the 2007 season.

Peep a possible starting lineup for Houston next April:

C Brad Ausmus has one more year on his deal and with his defense declining and no production at the plate Houston's probably stuck with Ausmus through 2007.

1B Lance Berkman MVP candidate Berkman should stay at first where he's most comfortable.

2B Chris Burke Look to see Craig Biggio getting plenty of playing time in his quest for 3,000 hits but Burke is by far the superior defensive and offensive choice.

SS Adam Everett has an amazing glove but his pathetic offensive skills are a real liability and hopefully he'll be involved in a trade to pick up Miguel Tejada or another strong-hitting shortstop.

3B Morgan Ensberg could also be on the trading block to make room for an Aubrey Huff-caliber third-bagger, but a healthy Ensberg could return to All-Star form.

OF Willy Taveras will be a shoo-in for starting center fielder.

OF Luke Scott's amazing second-half run has also secured him a spot in the starting lineup.

OF Houston needs to pick up a power-hitting Adam Dunn-type slugging free-agent outfielder to fill the third slot.

Bench Eric Bruntlett is a solid utility player and if the Astros can't trade Jason Lane he'll look to make the big-league squad. Minor-league prospects J.R. House (catcher) and Hunter Pence (outfielder) also have a good chance of making the roster.

Starters Roy Oswalt is a solid No. 1 but that's all there is. This issue will have to be addressed in free agency with Andy Pettitte and Brandon Backe both questionable for next year and with the Rocket most likely retiring. Jason Hirsh, Fernando Nieve, Matt Albers, Taylor Buchholz, Wandy Rodriguez, and countless other minor-leaguers have a chance at making the Astros rotation next year.

Closer Dan Wheeler will have the job as Lidge will probably be traded. As far as the rest of the bullpen goes, who fucking knows?

Even with all of their issues the Astros are a perpetual playoff contender and Houston fans have had very little to complain about over the last decade or so. At least they made it interesting, if not a little torturous