When looking at the Houston Astros this year, they have had a rocky start, but once they get back into the groove, they will be the same old Astros we have seen year after year make it to the playoffs. With extensions in contracts, getting the top pick in a pitcher this year and even getting a new coach they are definitely on the road to success once again.
With a 10-11 record for spring training, it may seem like they won’t do so well this season but like always, the Astros may have a rocky start but have proved everyone wrong for the past seven seasons, with leaders on the board like left fielder Kyle Tucker, Minor League player, third baseman Narbe Cruz, second baseman José Altuve and the newly added addition of utility player Mauricio Dubón, these are some of many Astros players who have shown they are more than ready for the season.
When looking at the track record for the Houston Astros, they have been on a playoff streak since 2017. A documentary made by PBS talks about how the Astros organization built up the team we see now. They chose the players they knew had the best potential and were looked over by other organizations due to small factors that did not affect their playing abilities but rather, enhanced them. Take Altuve for example, he was passed by every other organization but the Astros saw potential for greatness in him and now he is a two-time World Series winner, a Golden Glove winner, a Silver Slugger winner, and now an ‘Astro for life’. Another player we can highlight is fan-favorite left fielder Yordon Álvarez. He was stuck in the minor leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers until the Astros gave him a chance, now he is a World Series winner, ALCS MVP, Silver Slugger winner, and AL Rookie of the Year.
Though some of these names have been tainted by a cheating scandal, even though most of these players are not associated with it, they accept the villain role. The Astros just ignore it and use the boos and insults as motivation to be better players and to show that they can and will be the best. They will overcome the obstacles such as the scandal and continue to show their potential.
Though their spring training record is close, this is just a warm-up for their bats to wake up and show they are back better than ever. There is no doubt that the Astros will have a rocky start but then have a major comeback as they always do. So just keep an eye out for the Stros because if you blink, you never know what amazing history you are missing from this team.
