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5 reasons the Houston Astros will win it all in 2015

By Josh Criswell

Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate a walk off victory over the Boston Red Sox after second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a home run during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate a walk off victory over the Boston Red Sox after second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a home run during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate a walk off victory over the Boston Red Sox after second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a home run during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate a walk off victory over the Boston Red Sox after second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a home run during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Red Sox 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Houston Astros find themselves in playoff contention for the first time in recent memory. Here are five reasons they have what it takes to win it all. 

With less that two months remaining in the regular season, the Houston Astros hold a 1.5-game lead in the American League Central.

A 3-7 record over the past 10 games has kept the Los Angeles Angels right on their heels, with the Texas Rangers not far behind. With a combined 10 games against these teams during the final month of the season, the playoff race is just beginning to heat up in Houston.

While their recent struggles are a minor setback, the Astros are still the most talented team in the division. And if they are able to find their way into the postseason, they just might be the most dangerous team in the American League.

Houston boasts two premier starting pitchers that are capable of delivering a shutout performance on any given night. Scott Kazmir, who was acquired one week before the MLB trade deadline, did not give up a run during his first 14.2 innings with the team, and has the fourth best earned run average in MLB. Left-handed ace Dallas Keuchel, meanwhile, has recorded a 2.40 ERA and is tied for the MLB-lead with two shutouts on the season.

In addition to their dynamic one-two punch at the top of the rotation, the Astros have one of the best bullpens in baseball, a Rookie of the Year favorite at shortstop and a rare combination of speed and power that is unmatched by any other team.

The sum of all these parts creates a team that is not only capable of being a playoff contender, but one that could emerge as a World Series favorite if they start clicking on all cylinders.

Here are five reasons the Houston Astros have an opportunity to win it all in 2015.

Next: Carlos Correa is playing like the best shortstop in baseball

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