The Astros hold a few-game lead over the Seattle Mariners, as despite a slow start to the year, they are where they want to be with October right around the corner. Houston is goi

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

After a very slow start to the season, the Houston Astros have once again proven their AL West superiority. Well, almost. Despite having one of the best second halves in baseball, the Astros have yet to secure a spot in the MLB playoffs.