Peter Rosston: For me, it has to be the Houston Astros. After snatching a Wild Card spot last year with a very young roster, many people expected to challenge the Texas Rangers for the top spot in the AL West. Instead, the Astros have come out of the gate completely flat, starting 6-14, tied for the worst recording the American League. Of course, the season is 20 games young, but the Astros certainly have their work cut out for them now.
Tyler Brandt: I was among those saying that the Houston Astros would run away with the American League West this season. After twenty games, they are tied with the Minnesota Twins for the worst record in the AL. The offense has been doing just fine, but the pitching has been awful. I think Dallas Keuchel is injured, as his velocity is down from what he usually does in April and he walked four and six batters in his first two starts, respectively. He never walked more than four batters in any start last year. Their other pitchers need to start keeping the ball in the park, as Doug Fister, Mike Fiers, and Ken Giles were all expected to perform well but have given up too many long balls. This team will improve once its home run per fly ball rate comes back down from the stratosphere, but they need to proceed with caution regarding Keuchel.
Tyler Brandt: I was among those saying that the Houston Astros would run away with the American League West this season. After twenty games, they are tied with the Minnesota Twins for the worst record in the AL. The offense has been doing just fine, but the pitching has been awful. I think Dallas Keuchel is injured, as his velocity is down from what he usually does in April and he walked four and six batters in his first two starts, respectively. He never walked more than four batters in any start last year. Their other pitchers need to start keeping the ball in the park, as Doug Fister, Mike Fiers, and Ken Giles were all expected to perform well but have given up too many long balls. This team will improve once its home run per fly ball rate comes back down from the stratosphere, but they need to proceed with caution regarding Keuchel.