The Houston Astros made a few moves prior to the trade deadline, but they were not as attractive as the acquisitions other contenders had. Yet, Houston still remains the favorites to win the World Series.
Fans weren’t surprised to see the Houston Astros take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series last season. But with how dominant the Red Sox and Yankees have been, some baseball fans likely don’t dub Houston as the American League favorites.
Oddsmakers across the country – yes, mostly in Las Vegas – say otherwise. The most notable projections come via Bovada and Vegas Insider, two of the more prominent oddsmakers.
Several fanatics will scald these predictions, claiming the teams with the best records will take the pennant in their respective divisions. If that were the case, Boston and Chicago – Cubs.
Yet, the Dodgers made two huge moves to bolster its infield considerably by acquiring Manny Machado and Brian Dozier. The Astros made various trades as well, but they weren’t as alluring.
However, Houston sits atop the American League West even despite not having Carlos Correa for the past month. Currently, the Astros have second baseman Jose Altuve and even outfielder George Springer out.
New odds to win the 2018 World Series (Bovada LV):
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) August 1, 2018
Astros 9/2
Dodgers 9/2
Red Sox 5/1
Yankees 6/1
Cubs 8/1
Indians 14/1
Brewers 14/1
Braves 15/1
Phillies 16/1 👀#BeBold
Yet they continue to win.
There are multiple reasons why Houston sits atop the betting lines. It possesses the best pitching staff by nearly half a run and also boasts a top-five offense.
And the Astros are the defending World Series champions. Much of the credit should be given to manager – and mastermind – A.J. Hinch. The skipper made bold moves in various series, using starting pitchers as closers.
Moreover, the few holes in Houston’s roster were filled during the trade deadline. Though Ryan Pressly and Martin Maldonado were not premier trade options, they provide depth. Then there’s Roberto Osuna, who could be a shutdown closer if he pitches in the postseason.
Altogether, the Astros are just as good, if not better, than they were in 2017.
It’s all about the pitching
If Houston’s pitching staff keeps its ERA near the 3.00 line, it would be the best overall staff since St. Louis’s in 2015.
The Astros own the best starting rotation in baseball. And the biggest surprise is that only five guys have started games all season.
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Three of the five guys, essentially all aces at this point, garner much of the attention. Also, each had different paths to dominance as Houston fans already know.
Charlie Morton, Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander all sport ERAs in the top 11 among the MLB. Furthermore, all average more strikeouts per nine innings than all but three pitchers in the league.
That’s very impressive.
While the bullpen has showed troubling signs throughout the season, it still ranks third-best in ERA in the MLB. And much of the success has come from three unexpected producers.
Collin McHugh was nearly shipped this offseason. Now he’s the team’s most efficient reliever. Tony Sipp was deemed unreliable, but he owns a sub-2.00 ERA. And Hector Rondon has proven to be a steal from the offseason – and he’s the current closer.
This is truly one of the best staffs Houston has seen during its franchise. And its the key reason oddsmakers believe this club has a chance to claim back-to-back titles.