Astros Opening Day is Finally Here!

We can all breathe a sigh of relief as Astros Opening Day has officially arrived! All of that waiting through the doldrums of winter has come to fruition.

There is nothing similar in baseball as Opening Day. The optimism that swirls within the atmosphere of each fanbase is undeniable. Even the baseball fans who don’t claim a particular team must feel optimistic for all teams, even if it is for a day. I know I feel optimistic about the Astros in 2017.

As you look up and down this roster, the Astros are blessed with a deep talent pool. There is a lot to like about this year’s squad.

On paper, the offense should be solid in all areas of the lineup. The pitching staff should be an efficient one, especially if the starting rotation hits on all cylinders. And the bullpen is a key component that may keep the Astros season alive when the inevitable off days occur.

That said, this team does have weaknesses. Heck, every team has weaknesses. For the Astros it may be the starting pitching. In a nutshell, the health of Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, and Collin McHugh will dictate the rotation’s effectiveness. And if they can’t pitch the Astros into the promise land, then there is a good chance that nobody will in 2017.

But this is Opening Day, in which there is no room for negativity or doubt.

This season could be the start of something special in Houston. The Astros are poised to be one of the top teams in baseball if everything goes according to plan. I will admit, though, that the same was said last year. And we all remember how 2016 played out. Dang it, the doubt is starting to creep in.

Next: Astros Season Preview: Predicting Top Award Candidates

Alas, let’s be merry, my friends, as this is our Opening Day. This day only comes once a year. The immediate future is bright. In fact, brighter than I can remember in quite some time. Perhaps the Astros are returning to their glory days. Only time will tell. A win on Opening Day would be a step in the right direction.