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5 Things We Learned From Houston Astros During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
After not having a winning season since 2008, the Houston Astros have been one of MLB's greatest surprises so far in 2015. As of right now, the Astros are sitting in first place in the AL West with a record of 27-15. Here are five things we have learned from this very talented club at the quarter mark of the season.

After not having a winning season since 2008, the Houston Astros have been one of MLB's greatest surprises so far in 2015. As of right now, the Astros are sitting in first place in the AL West with a record of 27-15. Here are five things we have learned from this very talented club at the quarter mark of the season.

5. The Time For Carlos Correa Is Now

5. The Time For Carlos Correa Is Now Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
For as great as the Astros have been thus far, they might be able to get even better by calling up shortstop Carlos Correa. The 20-year-old destroyed Double-A this year, and he is off to a .326/.362/.558 start in Triple-A Fresno. With Jed Lowrie on the sidelines, the time for Correa may very well be right now.

For as great as the Astros have been thus far, they might be able to get even better by calling up shortstop Carlos Correa. The 20-year-old destroyed Double-A this year, and he is off to a .326/.362/.558 start in Triple-A Fresno. With Jed Lowrie on the sidelines, the time for Correa may very well be right now.

4. Bullpen Has Done A Complete 180

4. Bullpen Has Done A Complete 180 Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, Astros relievers posted an MLB-worst 4.80 ERA. This year, they have a 2.20 bullpen ERA, which ranks second-best in all of baseball, trailing only the Kansas City Royals.

Last year, Astros relievers posted an MLB-worst 4.80 ERA. This year, they have a 2.20 bullpen ERA, which ranks second-best in all of baseball, trailing only the Kansas City Royals.

3. High-Strikeout, High-Power Lineup Seems To Be Working

3. High-Strikeout, High-Power Lineup Seems To Be Working Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Astros rank first in baseball with 62 home runs, they rank second with a 24.6 percent K rate and 29th with a .230 batting average. It may be a rather unconventional formula for success, but it certainly seems to be working for them up to this point.

Although the Astros rank first in baseball with 62 home runs, they rank second with a 24.6 percent K rate and 29th with a .230 batting average. It may be a rather unconventional formula for success, but it certainly seems to be working for them up to this point.

2. Jose Altuve Is Still A Machine

2. Jose Altuve Is Still A Machine Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After winning a batting title and leading the league in hits last season, Jose Altuve is off to another great start this year, hitting .306/.360/.445 with five homers and 24 RBIs. The 25-year-old should have a solid chance to crack his third All-Star team in 2015.

After winning a batting title and leading the league in hits last season, Jose Altuve is off to another great start this year, hitting .306/.360/.445 with five homers and 24 RBIs. The 25-year-old should have a solid chance to crack his third All-Star team in 2015.

1. Dallas Keuchel Is A Legitimate Ace

1. Dallas Keuchel Is A Legitimate Ace Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
After putting together a breakthrough campaign last year, going 12-9 with a 2.93 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP, Dallas Keuchel is now proving that he is for real. So far in 2015, the 27-year-old has gone 6-0 with a 1.67 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP, giving the Astros a true ace. His name is already coming up as the AL's possible starter in this year's All-Star game, and he could also perhaps be an early Cy Young favorite.

After putting together a breakthrough campaign last year, going 12-9 with a 2.93 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP, Dallas Keuchel is now proving that he is for real. So far in 2015, the 27-year-old has gone 6-0 with a 1.67 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP, giving the Astros a true ace. His name is already coming up as the AL's possible starter in this year's All-Star game, and he could also perhaps be an early Cy Young favorite.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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