Houston Astros: Why the Astros Have a Top 5 Lineup

Houston Astros Ranked 7th Most Dangerous Lineup by Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report just put out an article predicting which MLB team will have the most deadly lineup.  The Astros, coming off a year where they hit the second most home runs in the league (230), were placed at #7 on the list.  I disagree and believe that the Astros will have at least a top 5 offense this upcoming season.

Even with the low team batting average, the ‘Stros still scored 4 and a half runs a game last year, good for sixth in the league.  This was a year in which they lost a major contributor in George Springer for a significant amount of time as well as having Carlos Correa adjust to the Big Leagues.  In 2016, this team should get even better.  Even if Correa has his predicted sophomore slump, a hopefully healthy Springer and the ever-improving Jose Altuve should carry the Astros offense to a whole new level.

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Though the Astros missed out on a few potential outfield free agents (Cespedes, Gordon, etc.), they were still able to bring back Colby Rasmus, a.k.a. “Colby Jack” to bolster the powerful outfield even more.  All of the Astros starting outfielders, Rasmus, Gomez, and Springer, are capable of hitting 15+ home runs this year.  As for the infield, Jon Singleton will get one more chance to show the power hitting he is capable of providing.  There’s also always A.J. Reed down in the minors waiting to produce.

Some reactions from Twitter.

@AJB857 – Rangers 3rd? BS. DDJ wouldn’t make our 25 man roster and this article sings his praises.

@Woodreau_ – Nah I agree with blue jays, Tigers, Cubs, but don’t think Red Sox, Giants, and Rangers deserve it

Next: Predicting a Full Season for George Springer

Overall, the Astros lineup is far more deadly than the Bleacher Report article says it is.  Though they may not be the lineup that Toronto or the Cubbies have, the Astros certainly have it better than Boston or San Francisco, two of the teams in front of them.  A healthy Springer and a full season from Correa should show the world how dangerous these Houston Astros really are.