As we are down the home stretch of the 2015 season, I am astonished at how much fun the budding Astros-Rangers rivalry is quickly becoming.  

Sure, the Rangers and Astros have played each other as "natural rivals" in interleague play since its conception, but there was nothing at stake other than a Boot and irrelevant bragging rights. 

Now, something major is on the line, and the trash talk is at an all-time high. 

Honestly, in my sheltered baseball existence far from the borders of Texas, I had no idea that Houston had such a fan base.  I honestly know two Astros fans.  Where has everyone else been?

Suddenly, when I go out to watch games, I am seeing people in Houston hats or t-shirts, and when they see my Rangers gear, they are quick to make a statement about the current standings. 

And you know what?

It's fun. 

I am enjoying the Rangers chasing the Astros much more than I would be seeing the Angels or the A's atop the AL West.  

As I log into Twitter, the amount of trash talk going back in forth among fans is amazing.  I even see Rangers writers, such as Jamey Newberg, taking part in the battle of quips.  From what I have seen, the intensity is not limited to off the field (See Odor, Rougned: bat flip).  

4 Games.  One month.  

Buckle up, this is going to be fun.