The Houston Astros reached the World Series in 2005 and narrowly missed the postseason in 2006, so there were plenty of expectations for the 2007 season. Unfortunately the team went 73-89, costing manager Phil Garner and GM Tim Purpura their jobs. Looking to rebound in 2008, new GM Ed Wade made a blockbuster trade for shortstop Miguel Tejada.
Wade made a few big deals that offseason, shipping Brad Lidge to the Phillies (and acquiring the underrated Michael Bourn), bringing Jose Valverde in from Arizona and signing Kazuo Matsui.