"Houston, we have a problem... we're actually good this year."

          For years, the Houston Astros have been the doormat of Major League Baseball, losing 100 games in three of the past four seasons while not even reaching .500 since their 2008 campaign which saw them go 86-75. The organization has been preaching about "The Process" and have been trying to get everyone to buy in. They have built a strong farm system through numerous trades and the draft, and it has started to bare the fruit needed to contend.

As of Jun. 12 2015, the Astros have accrued a record of 35-27 while leading the talent filled AL West. Once deemed the 2017 World Series Champions by Sports Illustrated, the Astros may fulfill that prophecy a few years early. They are led by consistent pitching that has posted a team ERA of 3.61, 3rd best in the AL. The rotation has been led by Dallas Keuchel who has picked up where he left off in 2014. Through his first 13 starts, Keuchel is 7-2 with a 1.90 ERA, and if he keeps this up, we can expect to see him in Cincinnati for the midsummer classic in July. Lance McCullers has also jumped onto the scene going 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA through his first five starts.

One of the biggest improvements though, has been the bullpen. 2014 was a struggle for the pen as they were last in bullpen ERA, 4.80, and tied 28th in saves with 31. They let many games slip away in the late innings and never had a defined closer. 2015 is a complete turn around. To address this need, general manager Jeff Luhnow signed Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson to serve as veteran anchors in the bullpen. Both have done their job well as Gregerson has saved 15 of 17 games while Neshek has posted a 2.82 ERA while striking out 20 compared to two walks. Will Harris has also been a reliable option as he has put up a 0.94 ERA while striking out 33 in 28 2/3 innings.

On the other side of the ball, the Astros have a very different lineup than in years past. What used to be considered a Triple-A lineup is now a force to be reckoned with. Led by Evan Gattis (12 HR, 39 RBIs), George Springer (.255, 10 HR, 13 SB) , and Jose Altuve (.290, five HR, 17 SB) , the Astros are at the top of many offensive categories. They are 1st in home runs (83), 3rd in stolen bases (50) and 8th in Walks (83). The home run hitting offense does have a downside though as they are 29th in batting average (.235), 24th in OBP (.302) and have the second most strikeouts in the majors behind the Chicago Cubs (571). Their offense will have to be more consistent to contend, but if the pitching keeps it up, they can power their way to winning games. Also unlike the 2014 Atlanta Braves, who did not have success with the all or nothing offense, the Astros have speed on the team to help mix the offensive attack.

Overall, the Astros are a completely different team than in the previous four years. They have pitching, a formidable line-up and a veteran presence that can lead them to contend for a division title in what has so far been a disappointing AL West.