The Astros have a day off and they’re a couple of dollars — or hitters, if you’d prefer — short. Thanks to the pitching and solid defense for the most part, Houston is in the thick of things. Yes, in the thick of things. A few observations as you catch your breath from the first…

While true, the phrase “it’s early” is getting old. Yes, the Astros are eight games into a 162-game schedule and maybe expectations were too high for April for a team with several new position players, a new manager and a brand new bullpen. However, concerns have shifted, frustrations have mounted and the “I told you…

So, just whose team is the Houston Astros anyway? For the first time since he joined the team as general manager, more players than not on the 40-man roster have been acquired by Jeff Luhnow. Despite trades, drafts, free agents and waiver wire pickups — until this year — more players were still left over from…

The Astros and Rangers finish up their series in Arlington today. It’s Houston’s sixth game of the season and manager A.J. Hinch rolls out his fifth different lineup. Of note is Marwin Gonzalez getting a start at  first base (Chris Carter on the bench) and Jason Castro catching a day game, though after another day…

Hold that train filled with oranges just one dang minute! Blame it on the day off. Or high expectations after an opening day win. Or the fact the Minute Maid Park roof was closed. But don’t get carried away. Not yet. Houston is 1-2 after three games with some very early positive — if unexpected…