I know it’s a little early to be ordering champagne but my favorite baseball team is playing like world beaters with about a third of the season remaining.
Houston Astros fans are singing the praise of Manager A. J. Hinch who has turn the club around from a near bottom feeder in 2014 to a frontrunner in less than a year. The Astros are a bona fide contender–winning the old fashion way, with power, speed and decent pitching.
The Astros are on top of American League West with a record of 60-48 and leading the majors with 151 home runs. Under Manager Bo Porter in 2014 the club hit 163 homers and finished with a 70-92 record.
Timely hitting from young players like shortstop Carlos Correa and outfielder Preston Tucker along with DH Evan Gattis has made baseball purist take a second look at this ball club. They are witnessing All Star second base Jose Altuve although small in statue provide a powerful punch on the bases, with the glove, or at the plate. The club recently acquired veteran outfielder Carlos Gomez from Milwaukee and he’s already making a difference hitting in the 3rd spot, as they await the return of outfielder George Springer from the disabled list to jump back into the leadoff spot. Luis Valbuena leads the club with 20 homers.
Starting pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh both with 13-5 records anchor the Astros pitching staff and Luke Gregerson’s 22 saves is the bullpen closer. We need strong performance from starting pitchers Scott Feldman, Lance McCullers and newly acquired Scott Kazmir in order for us to succeed in the playoffs.
Altuve leads the club with 28 stolen bases, followed by utility outfielder Jake Marisnick and George Springer with 14. Springer has missed half the season due to injuries but is expected back soon.
Hinch played seven years in the major league as a catcher without any great fanfare, but he just may have hit his mark as a manager in the big leagues. I say keep improving Astros, and one day soon we may win it all.
hubiejones.com 