Michael Aschkenasy of the U-Wisconsin Badger Herald predicts:
It will be hard for the Astros to keep up with the Cardinals as the season comes to an end. If the Cubs can find what they need to put together a strong season then this division becomes even tougher.
Houston would have to overachieve in a serious way to have any shot at the division, or even the wild card spot that is most likely coming out of the west. The Astros are looking at another season in the middle of the central division, and can finish anywhere from second to last depending on their own and their rivals’ play.
I predict a fifth place finish for the Astros, who will at least have the Pittsburgh Pirates to look down on when everything is said and done.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
