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Are the new look Houston Astros for real?

By Stanford Crissey

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Apr 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) rounds third to score the first run of the game against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) rounds third to score the first run of the game against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Verdict: It Won’t Last

Houston is an exciting, young team with a bright future, none of which could be said back in 2012. They’ve taken quite a few steps in the right direction, and for the first time since 2010, can boast a legitimately competitive team that can play with anyone.

But this isn’t a playoff team. There are just too many holes: three-fifths of the rotation is mediocre, the lineup is full of all-or-nothing sluggers who will strike out a ton, and hot starts like Jake Marisnick’s simply can’t last.

This can be a good team, and 84 or 85 wins is a definite possibility. Just don’t expect to see them on top of the AL West at the end of the year. They’ve shown they can get hot at the right time, and that contention is in their future. Just not this year.

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