There’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel for the team under the pre-season preview spotlight today. The Houston Astros have been about as bottom of the heap as it gets for some time now, but there are now some reasons for this team’s fans to start getting interested again.
The Astros have been the ultimate illustration for horrendous management. But thanks to the rules and changes at the top, they’re at last starting to dig out from under the rubble. That’s not meant to be a rousing endorsement of the new people in charge. I thought taking Mark Appel ahead of Kris Bryant in the 2013 draft was a big mistake and the Brady Aiken fiasco from the 2014 draft was not good. Nevertheless, prospects for improvement this season are reasonable. Houston is still not all that close to contending for the playoffs, but they’re at least getting better.
Jose Altuve is an absolute hitting machine. Evan Gattis should thrive in his new home and with that short porch in left field, he’s a legit 30 homer candidate. George Springer is a rising start with all the tools to become an All-Star. Jed Lowrie should be a solid veteran presence who can hold down SS until Carlos Correa arrives. Jason Castro is okay behind the dish, Chris Carter won’t hit for average but will hit for power and Jake Marisnick has some growth potential. Luis Valbuena and Colby Rasmus are each probably better suited for coming off the bench roles, but no one is saying this is a complete team just yet.
Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh took major steps forward last season, and while that’s not the 1-2 pitching punch that will cause sleepless nights for opponents, they’re each probably a bit underrated at this point. Scott Feldman is still serviceable. The back end of the rotation is a problem, but there is help on the way. As for the Astros bullpen, it’s likely to be better with Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson now joining Chad Qualls as the late inning trifecta.
The bottom line is that Houston is no longer a pure doormat. That doesn’t mean they’re good yet and I would be shocked if they were to get to .500 this season. But after finally reaching 70 wins last season, there’s a decent possibility this team can add a few more victories this season. I’d say the 75.5 O/U looks to be just about right and with the problems existing with the Rangers, the Astros could avoid the cellar for a second straight season. But that’s about the ceiling for this entry and thoughts of the playoffs remain little more than a pleasant dream.