The All-Star break has arrived and the Astros are definitely playing up to expectations. They lead their division by five games over the Mariners, and are only 4 1/2 games behind the Red Sox who have the best record in baseball. Justin Verlander hasn't pitched all that well over his last handful of starts, but a few days off for the "Mid-summer Classic" should help him get rested and ready for the second half of the season. Houston is on pace to win 104 games this season, which is better than last year's team which won 101 games in the regular season before winning the World Series.