Based on Division. We are also closer to Opening Day, than we are starting the playoffs.BarryProfit said:Rangers are closer to last place than first place.DallasAg 94 said:The Astros absolutely need to be looking over their shoulder. The point of finishing the day T-WC, especially right now... is the perception it gives fans and the pressure it might present to the FO, that this team needs some help, and we're not ready to start dumping players, just yet.Grapesoda2525 said:It's still so early in the season and the Astros are having so much injury trouble that I'm not ready to 100% concede the division ( only probably 95%)DallasAg 94 said:
NOW... we have to root for the Astros.
They beat the A's tonight, in Oakland, and the Rangers are Tied for the 2nd WC spot with the A's.
Lance Lynn on the mound for the Rangers tomorrow.
It would be cool to tighten up the division while Correa, altuve, and springer are all out. I just want to make it clear that I don't have any delusions of winning the AL West, but if we can close the margin to 3 or 4 games before we meet for 7 games in early July, that could be fun and meaningful baseball for a young core who could use the experience.
The Astros with a little cushion, may have them hesitate to add pieces early.
Based on the AL:
The Rangers are 9.5 GB the Twins.
Baltimore is 11.0 GB the Rangers.
Based on the Playoffs:
Rangers are one of 7 that are "in." Tied with 2 others for the WC.
8 teams are Not.
Houston has major injury issues. I've mentioned this before:
Altuve: 39G, .243, 9HR, .329 OBP
Correa: 50G, .295, 11HR, .360 OBP
Springer: 48G, .308, 17HR, .389 OBP
That's 37 HRs out of 95 = 39%.
Now, Houston may very well be able to maintain their lead... maybe even pull ahead. But they could also very well lose ground.