Houston Astros Initial Power Ranking Might Be Disrespectful
As the Houston Astros enter the 2024 season, times do seem different. This is still a team that can win the World Series, but they might not be as dominant as they have been in years past.
That's not a knock on the current state of the Astros, however, things are different.
The team has lost core players throughout the past few years and Joe Espada is the new manager. Winning with a first-year head coach will be much different than winning with someone like Dusty Baker.
Still, it's tough to ever count Houston out. Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Jose Altuve, and others all show up when it matters most. When the calendar turns to October, the last team anyone wants to see on their schedule are the Astros.
The initial MLB.com 2024 power rankings have Houston as the No. 6 team in baseball and the No. 3 team in the American League.
While giving the Texas Rangers the nod due to beating the Astros in the ALCS is understood, it's questionable why the Baltimore Orioles are ahead of them.
These rankings might be a small sign of disrespect to the team. After what they've done for most of the past decade, it's tough to say that any team deserves to be ranked higher than them.
When Houston is at their best, they can't be counted out.
With some of the noise surrounding the team this offseason and many not believing that they can win it all this year, look for them to do whatever they can to find themselves in a spot to win another World Series in 2024.
