Whatever happens, enjoy it!
These two squads will square off 19 times this season, where each game will present a novel storyline. From Ohtani to Cole to Correa and Cozart, there is plenty of talent to watch in these matchups.
The Astros got the best of the Southern California club in 2017, finishing 12-7 against them. Hinch owns a 35-22 record against the Angels during his stint in Houston.
Despite being more inexperienced than Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia, Hinch already matched him in championships won. And each brought home their respective organization’s first title ever.
Scioscia proved he can lead his team to the playoffs, qualifying for the postseason six times throughout his managerial career. Nevertheless, Hinch already has two-thirds as many postseason wins as Scioscia in just five years as a manager all came with the Astros in three years.
Both skippers have an opportunity to reach the postseason if they continue to play as they have throughout the season. And there is a multitude of reasons why each team is one of the most exciting groups to watch.
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The last time two teams from the same AL division reached the ALCS was in 2008 with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Yet two clubs from the AL West have ever met for the coveted AL pennant.
Though it’s still early in the season, there is a chance that it may become a reality. Both teams have the capability to contend for a title.
But of course, two major obstacles that stand in every team’s way to the title in the Fall Classic are injuries and consistency issues. Depth eventually comes into play. That alone could keep Los Angeles out of contention, whereas Houston has arguably the deepest roster in the game.
There will be some nail-biting, last-inning, shining-moment types of affairs between these teams. Bad blood may arise as each club tries to outlast the other across the six-month regular season.
Next: Houston must win its close games to repeat
The beauty of it at this point is anything is possible. Surely, no one will be disappointed whenever the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels meet.