HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros won their first World Series in 2017. In 2018 they actually won more regular season games than the year before but fell short of another title, losing to the Red Sox in the playoffs. They return this season once again expected to be one of the best teams in baseball.
- Astros expect to compete for championship in 2019
- Won in 2017; fell short in 2018
- Stacked lineup includes ace pitcher Justin Verlander among others
“Everybody in this clubhouse and outside of it expects us to win games and that’s what we’re preparing to do.” said third baseman Alex Bregman.
Bregman is part of arguably the best infield in the league, that features him along with Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Yuli Gurriel. The outfield doesn’t lack talent either with George Springer returning and the addition of former Indian Michael Brantley.
“You see the talent 1-9 and the bench guys and the pitching staff and bullpen,” said Brantley. “We’re built to win a lot of baseball games and it’s going to be a fun year.”
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A stacked lineup is complimented by a really good pitching staff. Justin Verlander remains their top starter along with Gerrit Cole. The Astros also added Wade Miley to the rotation in the off-season.
“We have large goals here but we want to take it one step at a time,” said Cole. “We keep in perspective what we ultimately want to accomplish.”