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Ranking the Astros AL West Rivals in Order
By Cody Poage
Rival #4: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The first in presentation, but last in terms of a meaningful rivalary currently, has to be the Angels. Now, if you feel compelled to say the Oakland Athletics I wouldn’t disagree. There is a personal bias, however slight, in these rankings.
Up to this date, the Astros and Angels have yet to be competitive at the same moment since Houston joined the division. Sure, you have the Albert Pujols connection from his heyday with the St. Louis Cardinals. But he hasn’t been the same menace that he was to the Astros ten years ago.
There hasn’t been much in terms of meaningful games between the two franchises. Until both teams are competitive at the same point in time, it’s hard to see this rivalry advancing much. But if the Astros and Angels maintain their decent starts to the 2017 season then that all may change soon.