Houston Astros: A Snapshot of the 2017 AL West competition

Sep 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Jurickson Profar (19) steals second base while Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) is late with the tag in the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. Texas won 3 to 2 . Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Jurickson Profar (19) steals second base while Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) is late with the tag in the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. Texas won 3 to 2 . Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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A look at the Houston Astros’ divisional foes in 2017.

Sep 2, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Carlos Beltran (36) runs around the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Carlos Beltran (36) runs around the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports

As 2016 comes to an end, Houston sports fans are working to get to the holidays. They will watch a mediocre Texans team spin its wheels and a Rockets team that is much improved and definitely a treat to watch. However, there will no doubt be a buzz around the city about the Houston Astros. The new year could see the Houston Astros making a run for not just an AL West crown, but a world championship.

The recent plethora of additions to the Astros roster has bolstered the fan base and has given many baseball experts reason to believe that the ball club from Houston will be a legitimate title contender in 2017. But let us not just sit and drool at the new toys we have recently acquired. We should keep an eye on our closest enemies with whom the Astros will match up against 76 times next season.

The Houston Astros need to win the AL West this year, they must beat the Rangers!

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