The Houston Astros come into Oakland tonight as the first place team in the AL West. The A's are just a game back, and only two games separate the first place Astros from the last place Texas Rangers. Houston is off to a solid start, but it's a little too early in the season to pass judgment. I think Oakland has what it takes to be a contender, while the Astros are still a work in progress.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Scott Kazmir will be on the mound for the home team, and he's been solid for Oakland so far. Kazmir (2-0, 1.33 ERA) allowed a pair of runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings in a no decision versus Kansas City in his latest start. He struck out 10, allowing just one hit over eight innings in his only start in Oakland this season so far. The Astros counter with Dallas Keuchel, who has been hit hard by the A's in the past.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Nate Freiman is 7-for-14 with a pair of home runs and seven RBIs lifetime versus Keuchel.

3. X-Factor - Kazmir owned the Astros last year, posting a record of 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in four starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Oakland A's(9)