Houston Astros can win two titles this year and make MLB history

Every baseball fan is aware of Houston’s chance of winning the World Series again this season. But if the Astros and their Triple-A affiliate both win their respective titles, which is possible, they would make MLB history.

The Houston Astros made history in 2017 by claiming the first World Series in the organization’s history. Now the club has an opportunity to make a mark in the MLB history books.

Baseball experts and analysts dubbed a Houston repeat as very possible. And if the organization’s Triple-A squad captures its second national championship, it will be the first to achieve that goal.

The Astros have a talented MLB cadre filled with depth, youth, power, and will. But many people forget that Houston also possesses one of the best minor-league systems in the league.

Fresno claimed the national title in 2015 behind the likes of Matt Duffy, Dan Straily, and Jonathan Villar. Most of the players from that squad no longer remain in the organization. Considering that it is Triple-A, rosters are highly volatile.

That doesn’t mean this year’s team isn’t talented. If anything, it’s more promising because of its bevy of prospects.

Three pitchers listed in MLB.com‘s top prospects list for the club are on the roster – David Paulino, Cionel Perez and Rogelio Armenteros. Of the three, Paulino has the most experience in the bigs, though he didn’t succeed during his short stint.

However, Perez might have the most value of the trio essentially because he is left-handed. Tony Sipp is the lone southpaw for the Astros, so if he frustrates manager A.J. Hinch, Perez could get the call.

Kyle Tucker overshadows all of the other prospects on the squad. The outfielder had a respectable campaign in Double-A last season, although it wasn’t spectacular. He crushed 16 homers while hitting .265 and accrued 64 strikeouts compared to 22 walks.

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Plenty of veterans round out the rest of the roster. A.J. Reed and Tyler White posted strong numbers last year in Fresno. Tony Kemp sported promising numbers as well. Derek Fisher may even end up back with the Grizzlies if he doesn’t pan out in the bigs.

Fresno ranked second in runs scored in the Pacific Coast League last year. The last time it did that was 2015 – national champions, remember?

However, the team’s poor pitching staff was a counterbalance for the intimidating offensive force. Pitchers combined for the worst ERA in the PCL. The Astros pulled up several hurlers, but injuries and inexperience posed problems for Fresno.

Maybe that will change in 2018.

Although the Grizzlies remain without former ace Brady Rodgers, Francis Martes has a chance to take advantage of his position. Martes was a key prospect at the beginning of last year, but he fell from the ranks after struggling in the bigs.

Armenteros is another solid arm who can make a name for himself this year. He boasted a 2.16 ERA in 2017 across 10 starts, recording 72 strikeouts in 58 1/3 innings. If Houston didn’t have so much depth in its rotation, the 23-year-old could have already secured a spot.

Overall, Fresno can truly make another historic run. And it can ultimately follow the footsteps of its major-league club.

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Both teams have the capability to win their respective titles. The journey to repeat began last week for the Astros. A new journey begins for Triple-A Fresno on Thursday.

By September, this could still be a legitimate possibility. It would be an amazing accomplishment. But don’t be surprised if this becomes a reality.

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