Six months and many fortnights ago, I predicted that the Houston Astros would go 92-70, finish second in the American League West, and get an AL Wild Card berth. They'd finish immediately behind the Rangers.

Much of that didn't happen.

Oh, the Rangers won the division; that much is certain. The Astros, meanwhile, didn't accomplish what they needed to. They finished 84-78, third place, and no playoffs. A 7-17 start in April took its toll,...