The Astros And Gradual Improvement

Following an impressive 5-1 homestand against the Padres and Blue Jays, the Astros are trending upward for arguably the first time all season instead of only treading water. While it's too early to obsess over the standings, it's encouraging to see them within a game of the division-leading Rangers nearly a month into the season. The projections all indicated that the AL West will be a tight race, and that has played out thus far. Unlike last season, there isn’t at least a significant uphill climb in front of them at the moment.

Any success in the first 24 games should primarily be credited to the pitching staff, with a starting rotation ranking in the top six for FIP (3.54) and the top two…