Houston Astros: Which AL Contenders Most Improved Team?

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#1 Toronto Blue Jays

Jul 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) hits a run-scoring double against Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Additions

Latroy Hawkins: 2-1/ 3.33 ERA/ 22 SO in 24 1/3 innings.

Mark Lowe: 0-2/ 1.70 ERA/ 47 SO in 37 innings.

David Price: 9-4/ 2.53 ERA/ 138 SO in 146 innings.

Ben Revere: .292/ 1 HR/ 27 RBI/ 24 SB.

Troy Tulowitzki: .303/ 13 HR/ 57 RBI/ 1 SB.

I apologize if you are reading this on an Astros fan blog, and the Astros aren’t the most improved team. I think the Blue Jays had the most holes on their roster, which is why they were hovering around .500 despite being near the top in most hitting categories as a team. They had a real young rotation, which lacked a true ace especially following injuries to key starters at the beginning of the year. They also had some leaks in the bullpen, so in order to catch the wild card teams or even the Yankees, the Blue Jays needed to make some big additions.

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The two pieces the Blue Jays acquired that meant the most was David Price and Troy Tulowitzki. What Price represents is a true ace for the young kids in the rotation, but to also give them the one game pitcher they might need if they are in the AL wild-card playoff game and need the win to get in. While Tulowitzki has a similar injury history as Jose Reyes, Tulowitzki is far superior offensively, except for stolen bases. They add some more speed with Revere and sure up some spots in the bullpen. These trades could hurt if they fall short of the playoffs or don’t resign Price.

Fangraphs Playoff Projections

July 26th before the first trade: 34.8% chance of making the playoffs.

August 1st after the trade: 50% chance of making the playoffs.

Next: Houston Astros: Will Carlos Gomez be the Impact Player Carlos Beltran was?

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