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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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Jun 17, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) hits a single in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) hits a single in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB’s best combination of power and speed

Some teams use the long-ball as a way to spark their offense. Others find a boost through success on the base paths.

The Houston Astros do both.

They have a unique combination of power hitting and blinding speed, both of which can change the outcome of a game very quickly. When you look at the Astros’ roster, you will not find anyone ranking among the top-15 home run hitters in the MLB. What you will find, though, are eight players with at least 10 bombs, and five more with at least five. This consistency has Houston leading all of baseball with 158 home runs.

On the base paths, Jose Altuve leads an offense that is by far the best in the American League at stealing bases. With a total of 86 on the season, the next closest team is the Kansas City Royals with 74. Altuve has swiped a league-best 30 stolen bases, while newcomer Carlos Gomez is a perfect 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts during his first 11 games with the team.

Most importantly, rising stars George Springer and Carlos Correa have emerged as constant threats at the plate and on the base paths. In doing so, both have revealed their potential to become perennial 30-home run, 30-stolen base threats. This type of versatility is invaluable during the playoffs.

If Springer is able to get healthy and Correa continues to produce at his current rate, there is no reason to believe the Astros will not have the most explosive offense come the postseason.

Next: Midseason trades set the Astros up for immediate success

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