Altuve: Astros setting sights on playoffs

Altuve has always said he believes the Astros are headed in the right direction, but the offseason additions of Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson to the bullpen and Jed Lowrie, Colby Rasmus, Luis Valbuena and Evan Gattis to the lineup have him feeling especially optimistic for 2015.

"I think we have the team to go to the playoffs this year," Altuve said. "We have to keep working hard and get ready and start the season with a good feel."

Outlook: Altuve is top-notch speed and average source

Jose Altuve hit for a league-leading .341 average to go with 56 stolen bases in 2014 and is expected to put up similar numbers in '15

Altuve joined teammate Alex Presley and former Astros pitcher Brandon Backe during Friday's final day of the annual winter caravan for stops on the island, including a trip to meet a penguin and other wildlife at Moody Gardens. The players also signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans.

"This is a good chance to spend the time with the fans away from the field and try to show people how we are on normal days," Altuve said.

Altuve is coming off a magical year in which he won the American League batting title, leading the Majors with a .341 batting average and a club-record 225 hits, smashing Craig Biggio's previous club record of 210 set in 1998. Altuve had the most hits by a second baseman since Charlie Gehringer had 227 for the Tigers in 1936, and he set the single-season hits record by a Venezuelan-born player. He also posted franchise records for multihit games (69), three-hit games (24) and singles (168), all of which led the Majors.

All that's in the past, though. Altuve is ready to turn his attention to 2015.

"I'm not thinking about numbers," he said. "I think about winning. I think about getting ready and getting to know my teammates, getting together and being on the same page and working hard and playing defense and swinging the bat. And win."

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Altuve: Astros setting sights on playoffs