This coming MLB season will be the Houston Astros' last in the National League. The franchise has announced that the team will be moving to the American League after the season, ending an allegiance to the NL that lasted more than 50 years. Houston sports buffs will be purchasing 2012 Astros tickets at volume to see the team battle for a NL Central crown one more time. Coming off what was the worst season in franchise history; Houston will look to exit the NL on a high note this season. Stars like Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez, and Jason Bourgeois will be relied upon heavily by manager Brad Mills at Minute Maid Park.  Pay close attention sports fans to this offseason's trade rumors as Houston should be busy signing players before the team gathers in Florida for spring training. With a reloaded roster in tow, the Stros will be looking to catch the division by surprise when the season begins next April.

Brad Mills is determined to get his team off to a fresh start in his second year as Houston Astros manager. The 54-year-old Astros head man even decided to take a surprise trip to Panama to check up on his star slugger, Carlos Lee. Mills wanted to show his support for Lee after the three-time All-Star’s stats slumped last season. The Astros will need a reinvigorated Carlos Lee to regain his acumen for driving in runs if Houston wants to win the National League Central division for the first time in a decade. The team does have nice young duo in third basemen Chris Johnson and right fielder Hunter Pence to build the franchise around. Johnson and Pence will be accompanied in the batting order by veteran second baseman Bill Hall, former Colorado Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes, and base-stealing threat Michael Bourn. 2011 Astros tickets can be purchased now for all the team’s upcoming scheduled games at Minute Maid Park.