Spring Training 2012: What Would Make Houston's Season Successful?

Richard Justice may have moved onto MLB.com, but he's still writing about the Astros more than any other team. In a recent column, he breaks down five things that would make Houston's 2012 season successful, despite win-loss record.

What are those reasons? Let's run through them quickly:

1) Young players like Jason Castro, George Springer, etc. improving.

2) Good seasons from Jordan Schafer and Jed Lowrie.

3) Trade Myers and Wandy for prospects.

4) One good sophomore season from Altuve, J.D. and Paredes.

5) CJ and Wallace getting back on track.

The funny thing is, if all these happen, Houston will not only have a successful season, but will probably lose a lot less games. They wouldn't lose 100 almost certainly and might not lose 90.

But, those are a lot of ifs. Realistically, only two or three of those things will happen. I can see Springer or DDJ exploding with a good season. I can see Lowrie holding down a starting spot with his bat. I can also see three and four happening, but not five. I'm just not sure either of those guys can be good big leaguers. But, I also think Houston will try its hardest to make that happen.

What Justice hits on here is spot on, though. Houston will need to measure success this season without looking at their record. That's what rebuilding teams do.