By now, the surprise of the Houston Astros standing atop the American League West has passed and now the question is more of how they will remain there. So far, they are doing pretty well, but they are in a fight with numerous foes who have shown them deep pockets and overabundant willingness to add huge names via trade. With an offense that is mostly very good and decent pitching, the rumors persist that the Astros want a front-line starter for their rotation.

They have been linked to everyone and are looking at almost everyone, but by far the best name that they have been rumored talking with so far is Johnny Cueto of the Cincinnati Reds. Many Astros fans probably would rather have Cole Hamels, but the Astros do not need that much salary to go out for that many years. All they really need, and what it is being whispered that they want, is a short-term rental.

Cueto is the man for that job for the Astros. He is every bit as good or better than any other pitcher on the market when healthy and isn’t really owed that much money between now and the end of the season. Someone with the steady status of Cueto would be a huge key to taking the Astros from leading the AL West to running away with it.

This is a move they really have to do somehow. Sure, they need to keep from selling too many prospects, but they should have plenty of chips to trade in order to bring over Cueto. If they pull a move off, look for them to climb way out ahead of the division on their way to their first playoff appearance in a very long time.

David Miller is an MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google