The Final Countdown!

I can think of no better way to get you fans excited for Opening Day tomorrow than by citing the 80s power rock song by Europe. In less than 24 hours from now, our spacemen will be out on the back to back quest. Their mission? To boldly go where not a lot of teams have gone before. They will all proudly march into Globe Life Park here in Arlington with their heads held high as the defending World Series champions. In doing so, they will, without a doubt, put a beat down on the in-state divisional rival Texas Rangers. The likes of which has never been seen before.

Up and down the lineup, the Houston Astros have all the pieces to do so. A stellar rotation, and even a secondary one that I brought up in my latest piece for House of Houston just last night. A bullpen that knows how to seal the deal, led by some great coaching all around. And of course, the guys on the roster carrying the big sticks: The positional players! 

The core four of George Springer, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa will be at the top of the lineup each day, barring anything unforeseen. Yuli Gurriel, when he has fully recovered and served out his suspension, will be a big part of the middle of the batting order. Sprinkle in Marwin Gonzalez, Josh Reddick, Derek Fisher, J.D. Davis and Max Stassi, and you have yourself the ultimate title repeat recipe. Most experts even have this Astros team being better than the one that got H-Town its very first championship last year.

Of course, there are two other components to this positional player potion. The Bearded Bash Brother #BearSquared Wonder Twins, of course. Brian McCann, a.k.a. the BMac, as well as your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis, who will both be crucial elements to the catching and designated hitting quadrants respectively. With the team carrying Stassi as a third catcher, it allows for more flexibility to get these two more at-bats. And as we all know, when Gatty Daddy and McCannonball square up a pitch, that ball is bye bye!

Despite a scare on Sunday in Florida during the final Grapefruit League game against the Miami Marlins, the bear is feeling just fine after a hit by pitch that put a welt on his left elbow. Actually, El Oso Blanco was able to tally a single and a walk while catching the last 4 innings yesterday in the final exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers. No matter what some may try, you just can't keep the bear down. He's as tough as nails, despite what his physical age will tell you.  

Even though the team is going to be in my area, I unfortunately have to enjoy the first game of the season from the privacy of my workstation. I know, I probably should have been better about getting tickets. But, priorities do take precedent. I mean, I do have 4 trips to take this year, starting next month with a weekend getaway to Chicago to see my old college bestie. But I digress, none of you out there really want to hear my excuses, and I don't blame you.

More than just the actual first game of the season itself, Opening Day ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. I'm willing to even wager that it is almost better than Christmas. (Notice I said ALMOST better, readers! Put down the torches and pitchforks!) The weather is warming up, everything is in bloom, and new beginnings are on the horizon. A chance to start again. A chance to make great change happen. And yes, the chance to repeat as champions of the world.

Can you feel it, Astros fans?! The quest for a repeat title starts....NOW!

Original Photo Credit: Alex Trautwig of MLB Photos via Getty Images

Evan Gattis is ready for Opening Day tomorrow. Will you be??!!