Bob Hulsey wrote:
Wow. -337 is gawdawful. That's *averaging* a loss of two runs per game.
Indeed.  Even worse than the -331 posted by the infamous 1962 NY Mets.
Aside from ERA, some basic stat comparisons between the 2013 Astros and 2003 Tigers are really close:

2003 Tigers:  Pitching:  5.30 ERA, 1.51 WHIP.  Batting:  .240/.300/.375/.675
2013 Astros:  Pitching:  4.86 ERA, 1.51 WHIP.  Batting:  .235/.295/.376/.671

Finally as an update on the dubious strikeout pace:
Our hitters are on pace to have 1,521K's - "impressive" given we have a DH...at nearly 10Ks per game.  
The AL record is 1,387 (A's) & MLB/NL record is 1,529 (D-Backs).