STAR POWER

How 2 stars, 1 unlikely hero are setting the pace for Astros going into critical stretch

The MLB All-Star break is officially here, and the Astros are in a great position to make another run at the World Series. Houston is currently a couple of games behind the Rangers, but are in striking distance of the division lead. And you have to like their chances if they can get fully healthy.

So with a half season in the books, which players deserve consideration for team MVP?

Watch the video above as the guys make their cases for Framber Valdez, Kyle Tucker, and Chas McCormick.

We didn't expect Chas to be in this conversation when the season started, but here he is.

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After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

DeMeco Ryans vs. Lovie Smith

Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

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