Article: Beating Vegas: Houston Astros

[Seth Stohs]

Show us you can beat Vegas and you can win a Harry’s Razor starter kit! They were only a surprise if you weren't paying attention. They competed early, made big moves at the trade deadline and hung on for 86 wins and their first playoff appearance since 2005. They lose Scott Kazmir from the deadline, but Carlos Gomez is still on the team and they made some strategic bullpen signings.Vegas’ Line: 87.5 wins

 

What The Line Is Saying

 

"Last year was no fluke. This was a good team and should be even better this year."

 

They’ll Beat Vegas If…

 

…the team doesn't have one enormous sophomore slump. The team is young, there is still some talent coming and, for the most part, they proved to themselves that they can win. The next step is improving their 6-13 record last year against the rival Texas Rangers. If they do, watch out.  If you beat Vegas, you can win a free Harry’s Razor starter set. Just leave a comment with your choice of the “Over” or” Under” and your reasoning. At the end of the season, for each team, we’ll randomly pick one of the winning predictions for a free Truman Razor set.  

 

They’ll Lose To Vegas If…

 

Their starting pitching takes a big step backwards. Last year they led the AL in ERA, despite having just two pitchers, Dallas Keuchel and Colin McHugh, who had over 22 starts. The added Doug Fister this offseason to try to help with that, but he is coming off an injury-marred year.

 

I’ll Bet The….

 

OVER

 

Last year was impressive to those who follow team arcs, but this is the year the Astros are positioned to really impress the more casual fans. If they can get past their issues with the Rangers, the sky is the limit.

 

 Now it’s your turn. Give us your prediction in the comment section (you’ll need to register first) and you’re automatically entered. We’ll be giving out a free Harry’s Razor Truman Set to one of the winning correct predictions for each team, so we’ll be give away 15 sets of razors! You can also click over to Harry’s Razors and get $5 off on your first order using the promo code ‘gleeman’.  

 

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[Vanimal46]

Over. These are your AL West Division winners.. I'm sure I'm going to be one of many going over on this team. 

[Mike Sixel]

Right on? Sigh. Over, I'll go over, but I think TX makes a trade or two, and passes them.

[gunnarthor]

Under, too much regression coming.  I also think the AL West might be a bit more competitive this year.  

[pbrezeasap]

Over

[Willihammer]

Regression's a b-

Under.

[David HK]

They're going to be good.  That Keuchel is a hell of a pitcher.  I only hope that the day comes soon, though when this look

 

will be remembered as fondly as this look...

 

 

[Wookiee of the Year]

It's not hard for me to imagine them being the best team in the AL.

 

Over.

[biggentleben]

Over, but barely. I don't see anyone in the AL getting to 95, and the AL West I could see being a group of 85-88 win teams with one poor one (Oakland).

[Jrfabian6]

Over.  Best team in the division.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Over. I think they win 90.

[sploorp]

There too many decent teams in the AL right now.  I think they'll beat up on each other and nobody will run away with anything.

 

I say under.

 

Now, if they were still in the NL ...

 

[spinowner]

 

There too many decent teams in the AL right now.  I think they'll beat up on each other and nobody will run away with anything.

Concur. I think it's very possible that the AL could have a dozen teams at 81+ wins. With few if any dominant teams the pennant race could become a real mess. And that's a good thing.

Edited March 27, 2016 by spinowner

[alanwil2]

Over.  I think they can win 90-91 wins.

[David Zeller]

Over I think they beat up on the mediocre AL West

[spinowner]

Over.