In less than ten days, the Astros will be in Arlington, Texas for opening day. Last year is in the books. But who could forget the memorial season Houston enjoyed after winning a franchise-first World Series title.
According to the Astros, it’s the beginning of something new. For over 55 years of waiting ended when Houston silenced naysayers by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game seven of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.
The hunger is within the Astros as it plans to be the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Yankees won three consecutive championships from 1998-2000. It will undoubtedly be a tall challenge. Standing in the way are some talented young teams which include, Boston, Cleveland, Dodgers and the Yankees.
With the return of the majority of its players, expectations are high. And the Astros feel like it has improved and added depth from last season.
Not many changes in the starting lineup which will see, catcher-Brian McCann, first base-Yul Gurriel, second base-Jose Altuve, short stop-Carlos Correa, third base-Alex Bregman, left field-Marwin Gonzalez, center field-George Springer, right field-Josh Reddick and DH-Evan Gattis as the season unfolds.
The pitching rotation share most of the same similarities which will watch ace Justin Verlander followed by Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton and Forrest Whitley. The bullpen will counter with Ken Giles, Chris Devenski, and Joe Smith.
Cole was acquired by the Pirates. Relievers Hector Rondon and Smith will add support.
On March 29th, the Astros will open the season on the road against in-state rival, the Texas Rangers. But for the next week or better, West Palm Beach, Florida is home to the Astros spring training grounds.
The team has fared well in the spring, clinging to a 17-7 record, a half-game in front of Boston and Milwaukee for the best record in baseball.