Astros still the boss with A’s giving chase

BY KATIE WOO

The Astros, A’s and Mariners provided a showdown in the West a year ago, but it was Houston that pulled away for its third consecutive division title. At one time a down division, the AL West is on the rise. The Astros are still heavily favored, but the A’s and their major league-lowest payroll shocked baseball by sneaking into the wild-card game last year. With Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, it’s hard to count out the Angels, although Ohtani will be limited to a designated hitter role due to Tommy John surgery last season.

1. Houston Astros

Last year: 103-59 – First Place – Lost to Boston in ALCS four games to one.

Key losses: RHP Charlie Morton

Key newcomers: LHP Wade Miley, OF Michael Brantley, C Robinson Chirinos

Best-case scenario: Perennial All-Stars Justin Verlander, above, Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve charge the Astros right back to the ALCS and give Boston a run for their money.

Worst-case scenario: The A’s put even more pressure on Houston than a year ago and, even if they sneak back into the ALCS, the Red Sox prove they still have their number on the big stage.