HOUSTON -- In some ways, the Astros are in a familiar spot. For the second year in a row, they're in the postseason. They've also advanced to the American League Championship Series again. And, like last year, they are dominant in enough areas to suggest they may be the favorites to return to the World Series, and, perhaps, repeat as champions.
But this year hasn't been exactly like it was in 2017. One glaring difference? A year ago, Jose Altuve was in the middle of everything, capping an AL MVP Award-winning regular season by continuing to post other-worldly offensive numbers in October.