Since 1991, the only two AL West teams to reach the World Series are the Astros and the Rangers. If one was to go by history, the 'Stros are one of the best teams in the division. What do you guys think about that?
The A's have enough history to lap every other team in this division by 2. Other than Oakland, this is a division of relatively young teams with a combined 1 championship (Angels). This division also features the only AL team that has never made it to a World Series (Mariners), and the last two teams with the previous longest ever droughts (Rangers, Astros). All-in-all... as ****ty as the league change was, it gets even ****tier when you realize we got dumped into a relatively lackluster division.
It's a ridiculous premise. If you go by facts the Astros are going in as the worst team in the division.
I was trying to keep some shred of optimism going into the season, and I am not talking about long term history, just short term history.
But nice thread I can't wait till opening day. I'm exited about the new rivalries will form wit the AL West. Who knows maybe they will surprise folks like the Aggies did in the SEC ?
I think the rebuilding is going slower that what typically happens. Our talent in the minors isn't ready for the bigs and we're not adding FA's that will noticeably upgrade the talent level on the big club. We might be looking at a 3rd consecutive year in last place which hasn't happened since the expansion Mets.
I believe that's the only AL West squad to win a WS since 1989. On top of that, it's the division with the worst average attendance numbers nearly every year.
A's are always near the bottom. Astros will be again next season. Seattle probably is there as well. Astros/Mariners/Rangers/Angels all do fairly well in attendance when winning, like most teams.
I'm guessing the A's won't be in Oakland to much longer which is a shame considering their history. But their stadium is awful maybe they can land somewhere else in Cali? The Rangers/Angels will draw well here Oakland and Seattle not so much...
List of teams never to win a WS: AL West: 3 - Mariners, Rangers, Astros (Mariners have no appearance, Astros & Rangers just finally made it this past decade) AL East: 1 - Rays AL Central: 0 NL West: 2 - Padres, Rockies NL East: 1 - Nationals (Only other team with no appearance) NL Central: 1 - Brewers We are the division of futility. 1 title and 4 pennants between Astros/Rangers/Mariners/Angels.
The Astros need four good minor league position players and two good pitchers to build a core. After that, they can begin participating for the top players in free agency. The question I have is which minor league players will change the Astros' status in the future?
