Preseason Predictions

[Arky Vaughan]

http://athlonsports.com/mlb/houston-astros-2015-preview-and-prediction

2015 Prediction: 4th in AL West

[Arky Vaughan]

http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2015-03-02/astros-2015-preview-lineup-predictions-fantasy-altuve-carter-keuchel-gattis

"It is possible to get better but still not have much to show for it, and that is what will happen with the Astros this year, as they endure a fifth consecutive 90-loss season. The offense will be there, with Houston’s most productive lineup in a decade, but there will not be enough pitching to make it stand up in a division that simply brings too much next-level competition for Houston to seriously compete."

[Arky Vaughan]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25100901/mlb-team-preview-houston-astros

The Astros are definitely better than they were in the past several years and could contend if many different things break their way. Given the strength of the AL West, the strong young players, good farm system and that a 10-win improvement over last season would mean 80 wins, being one or even two years away seems much more likely than a playoff run in 2015. Still, with Altuve and the power, this team will be very fun to watch on offense and hanging in contention for a while isn't out of the question -- which is a nice contrast from the past four seasons.

Also, by the end of the year we'll have a good feeling on when Correa might hit the bigs. Maybe even very early in 2016? Get excited, Houston.

[Arky Vaughan]

http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/03/23/2015-preview-houston-astros/

Prediction: Another step forward to 75-plus wins, another avoidance of last place, and enough progress to convince everyone they’ll contend for the playoffs in 2016.

[Nate in IA]

Outstanding retrospective.

It's been a fantastic season to be a fan of this team. They represented Houston well.

[David in Jackson]

Turning the page after the series loss, I expected to win the series and game five and I expect to be back in the playoffs in 2016. That's where we are now and it's good.