A closer look at futility
Facts about the Astros:
• They are 111-213 over the past two seasons, a .343 winning percentage.
• Their $25 million projected Opening Day payroll would be baseball's smallest since the 2008 Marlins were at $21 million.
• They are joining the American League this year after playing in the National League from 1962 to 2012, including the first three years as the Houston Colt .45s.
• Since 1900 only two major league teams have switched leagues: the Astros and the Brewers, who jumped to the National League in 1998.