The Houston Astros are 59-57 for the season and currently sitting in first place in the AL West.It makes almost no sense to me that Houston would be in this position.
I'm not surprised they are roughly a .500 team.Based on their roster, and their pitching especially, that checks out.
What is surprising is that the Mariners (or even the Rangers) haven't taken over the division from them.The Astros still have the American League MVP, and maybe that's all they need in order to get the division this year.Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on after striking out during the fifth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Daikin Park on May 05, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)I mentioned there have been issues with their pitching staff, and they even traded away a couple of guys before the trade deadline.I don't really think they took back any starter of substance, though.
Today, for example, they are starting Ronel Blanco, who has only pitched in 14.2 innings this season.In the three games that he has pitched, he has given up at least three earned runs, walked at least two hitters, and allowed at least one homer.
The most he pitched in any game was 5.1 innings.Padres hitters haven't seen Blanco much, with only three players ever facing him, and they are a combined 0-for-9.The San Diego Padres are once again a disappointment.
Did that prevent me from betting on them to win the World Series? Absolutely not.I generally think that talent wins out, and the Padres do have talent.
The Dodgers have more talent than anyone, but the Padres' roster stacks up fairly well, even if their team is underperforming once again.Their best hitters are struggling this season, but if they can all lock in, San Diego can go on a tear like Boston has this season.The San Diego Padres logo is displayed on the field at PETCO Park before a game against the St.
Louis Cardinals on April 3, 2024, in San Diego, Cal...