Astros Overlooked Heading Into Season

The Houston Astros will look to get back to the top after losing in the ALCS last year.

Any season that doesn't end in a World Series for this dynasty is viewed as a disappointment, and if past years are any indication, the Astros will find a way to play off that disappointment and rise back to the top.

Injuries are concerning at the moment, mainly on the mound.

Justin Verlander will start the season on the IL and Jose Urquidy has a forearm strain that will keep him sidelined for the start of the season, too.

However, it's not expected to be a long-term injury and that's important for Houston. If they can get their guys healthy for the playoffs, that's all that matters to this club.

Will Leitch of MLB.com released his power rankings heading into the season, putting the Astros at No. 6. They're the third-highest ranked American League team, falling behind the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers.

While it's fair to say certain teams might be better on paper, there's also an argument against that.

Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Tucker are still four of the best players in baseball, and they almost always step up when it matters the most.

Factor in the youthfulness of the Orioles roster and it's tough to say they're a better team than Houston. The Rangers have a fair argument after winning the World Series, but don't forget who has run the American League for the past several years.

The Astros have always played well when their backs are against the wall, so expect the same to happen this year.

 It feels like this team is being overlooked and that's a scary thought for the rest of the MLB.