After the Astros took two of three games from the Toronto Blue Jays last weekend in O' Canada, there were a few fans who were worried that Houston was blowing its chance at the No. 1 draft pick by winning consistently.
Never fear, Astros fans, because you're still in line for a top 2 pick. Currently, Minnesota still sits with the best odds of getting that top spot, as they are in line for just 55 wins. Both Minnesota and Houston have allowed a league-worst 239 runs, but the Twins have scored about 30 runs fewer than Houston.
Houston is two games ahead of Minnesota in the win column at 17-30, but they both have the same number of losses, as the Twins are at 15-30. Minnesota has been favored to win less than 60 games since May 11 and hasn't had an expected win total over 70 since April 26.
Houston, on the other hand, was over 70 wins as of May 7 and the lowest it's been all season is 63 wins on May 19. So, even as bad as the Astros played last week, they're still not nearly as bad as the Twins have been all season.
Both teams have also gotten worse in May. There is just a half-game separating the two since the beginning of this month, as Houston is 6-13 and Minnesota is 6-12. The Astros have scored one more run than Minny, but the Twins have given up nine more runs.
What it means is that Houston and Minnesota are currently in a dog fight to be the most pathetic team in the majors. The Twins also have gotten nothing out of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Jim Thome or Delmon Young. That situation doesn't figure to continue all season, and since Houston doesn't have nearly that much talent, they might have the slight long-term edge. That is, if the Orioles or the Dodgers or the Mariners don't get involved.