First, let me admit my wrongdoing. I apologize. A month ago, I wanted the Astros to essentially tank for draft position. Why? I didn't want a historically bad season to not bear any fruits.
↵However, the Astros have turned this ship around sooner than expected. With a no-name but strong rotation, a young but hungry lineup, and a reliable bullpen, the Astros may very well contend in 2011. Let me say that again. The Astos may very well contend in 2011. The Astros may very well contend in 2011.
↵If you won't listen to me, listen to ESPN analyst Steve Berthiamue, who is choosing the Astros to win the division.
↵In his article, "Astros Poised For Big Year In 2011", Berthiaume put the Astros success story in the national spotlight for the first time. Take a glance at it.
↵And because most casual baseball fans assume the Astros still stink, the 'Stros will contiune their ride aboard the sleeper train. Then again, the Astros don't know how to not be on the sleeper train. But if history's shown us anything, it's that the city of Houston can embrace that sleeper role. Let ESPN yak about the Red Sox and Yankees all they want ... it's all about ratings, anyways.
↵Aside from my man Berthiamue, they don't have to see or even acknowledge the difference in the Astros. And that doesn't mean the difference isn't there.
↵2010 has shown us both the bad and good 'Stros team. Let's just hope they can play like this in 2011.