The Houston Astros had about as good of a season as they could have hoped last year. What will they do for an encore?
Remember back in 2013, when Sport Illustrated proclaimed the Houston Astros the World Series winners in 2017? As it turns out, whoever made that determination could give Nostradamus a run for his money as a clairvoyant. They powered their way through the American League West, taking the division by 21 games over the second place Angels.
The postseason was a tougher road, but the Astros prevailed. They took out the Red Sox in four games, only to face the Yankees in a thrilling ALCS. Houston took that series in seven games, with Lance McCullers sealing the win by throwing 24 consecutive curveballs to end the game. Then, the Astros faced off against the Dodgers, taking home their first championship in a thrilling seven game series. It was an instant classic, and a run that will not be soon forgotten.
And yet, as easy as the Astros ride appeared to be, there were problems. Mike Fiers started 28 games last year to lead the Astros rotation. Eleven different pitchers started at least one game for Houston last year, and the bullpen had quite a few holes. Nonetheless, the Astros were healthy when it mattered, and embarked upon a truly magical run.
With a young team that is still growing, and plenty of star power still in their prime, the Houston Astros are set up to make another push for a championship. Will 2018 be a repeat performance?