Let's not beat around the bush here: you'd probably have more fun watching paint dry than dissecting the Angels' regular season. With a record of 62-91, they might as well start thinking about their golf swing. Their ace, Tyler Anderson, has floated around that, oh-so-average 3.72 ERA mark and while he does swing a decent 7.2 K/9, he'll need to maze his way through the Astros line-up.
Speaking of the Astros, they've had a better go of it with 84 wins and 70 losses. No, it's not the '27 Yankees, but it beats digging ditches. Their starter, Justin Verlander, has been about as reliable as a decade old car this season - you're never quite sure if it's going to start, or if it's going to leave you stranded. With a 5.27 ERA and a WHIP of 1.39, it's clear he's had better days.
Astros' Yordan Alvarez commands the bat like a maestro with a 0.295 batting average, 19 RBIs and 9 home runs, while Mauricio Dubon could probably hit a mosquito with a bat with his 0.309 average, although his stats stop impressing after that.
The Angels' players could use a boost in performance, but don't write off Taylor Ward with his 0.294 average and 15 RBIs, plus home runs just shy of doubling figures. Too bad he can't pitch.
A quick look at past matchups shows the Astros have been the bane of the Angels' existence, coming out on top more often than not. The venue could've been an X-factor; we all love a good hometown advantage, but the Minute Maid Park is like your standard high school gym, no frills.
Considering these factors, my favorite 8-ball tells me it's Houston's day, but don't expect Angels to make it easy.
Albert’s Prediction: Houston Astros by 2