Houston Astros: 16 Astros Resolutions for 2016

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#10: Reinvent Yourself

Sep 26, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) runs past Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) after hitting a home run in the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Astros won 9 to 7. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Be the Best Team in Texas

By: Elliott Jenkins

The September series for the AL West. Rougned Odor and Hank Conger in July. With Cole Hamels turning down the Astros trade to just to be traded to the Rangers, it left a sour taste in fans mouths. The 2015 season rekindled a largely-stagnant rivalry between the Rangers and the Astros, culminating in what could have been a Texas-only ALCS. Premature governor tweets aside, both teams played beyond all expectations and sent the division crown to the last day of the season. And both teams will only get better.

Keep in mind that the Rangers were riddled with injuries in 2015. Yu Darvish, Martin Perez, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison, Shin-soo Choo, Adrian Beltre, and, once again, Jurickson Profar, all spent considerable time on the disabled list. But, the Astros did not have a full year of Carlos Gomez, Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers, Mike Fiers, or George Springer.

The Astros acquired Ken Giles to lock down the 9th inning. They are also looking to sign another starter and a right-handed first baseman. The Rangers have been rehabbing all winter and have yet to make a big offseason splash. Being the best team in Texas is crucial to making another playoff run in 2016.

 

Next: #9: Watch more TV