Seattle Mariners: The other four teams, a preview of the 2020 AL West
Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, Houston Astros. (photo by thatlostdog, via Flickr)
Houston Astros
Projected Win Total: 35
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -190
Odds to Win the A.L. West: -160
Odds to Win the American League: +450
Odds to Win the World Series: +1200
2020 Song Quote: “Haterz everywhere we go” – B.o.B.
Big Question: Will the Astros dominate again without Gerritt Cole or trash cans?
Fun Question: Did the Astros give their batters a training on how to duck?
At a glance
How much does the rest of Major League Baseball hate the Houston Astros? Betonline.ag has futures odds on which Houston batter gets hit by a pitch most often, who gets hit first, will someone get hit opening day, and an over/under on how many HBP the team will have in 2020. Their one saving grace is that there won’t be any fans in opposing cities to harass the team continually.
Starting with the pitching staff, the loss of Cole would be catastrophic to almost every other team. In two years with the team, his record was 35–10 and 5–2 in the playoffs. Houston still has Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke at the top of the rotation. Additionally, the extended hiatus has given Lance McCullers Jr., who missed all of 2019 after Tommy John Surgery, more time to recover. So far, he has looked sharp in Summer camp. Also, their bullpen is deep and good enough to bail out the fourth and fifth starters should they get knocked out early.
Find a weak spot in the Houston Astros’ batting order. Even catcher Martin Maldonado, who hit .202 last year after coming over at the deadline, hit six home runs in 84 at-bats. There is no one to pitch around because the next batter will make their opponent pay dearly if they do. If Houston has a weakness, it’s depth.
FYI, the over/under on Astros hit batsman is 41.5.
What the Seattle Mariners can learn from Houston
Hopefully, they learn a lesson in class. It’s not easy to be hated. Houston’s on-field performance and conduct will be under the microscope.
PNWS Prediction for 2020
It won’t be as easy as last year, but Houston is still the best team in the A.L. West and will win their fourth straight division crown. How far they go in the postseason hinges on how well the starting rotation gels.
How do you see the Seattle Mariners faring in the A.L. West this year? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.