World Series Preview – How The Houston Astros Can Win -

The Houston Astros have been a juggernaut in the postseason after finishing with an American League-best 106-56 record, sweeping the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees to reach the World Series for the fourth time in six years, on the strength of a strong starting rotation, an effective bullpen and taking advantage of miscues by their opponents, but the Astros have fallen short in their last two trips to the Fall Classic against the underdog Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves and are once again the favorite against the NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Pitching

Houston’s starting staff has been dominant and is well rested with the nearly week-long break between the end of the ALCS and the start of the Series. With the 2-3-2 setup, it is likely that likely AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander gets the start in Games 1 and 5, Framber Valdez in Games 2 and 6, Cristian Javier in Games 3 and 7, and Lance McCullers Jr. in Game 4.

The Astros bullpen was sharp in the divisional series against Seattle, as seven relievers combined for 12 shutout innings in an 18-inning elimination game, and were equally as stingy against the Yankees, as closer Ryan Pressly has only given up two hits, struck out eight, and is four-for-four in save opportunities. Middlemen Ryne Stanek, Rafael Montero, and Bryan Abreu have been equally as effective, bridging the gap from the starter to Pressly.

Defense

One of the main areas where Houston has a clear advantage is defensively. The Phillies are considered below average, especially in the outfield with converted catcher Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. The Astros are strong in the infield with former Gold Glove catcher Martin Maldonado and second baseman Jose Altuve, first baseman Yuli Gurriel, rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena, and third baseman Alex Bregman.

Chas McCormick and Kyle Tucker are above-average outfielders, while slugger Yordan Alvarez in a perfect world would be a better fit as a DH.

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Houston’s Keys To Victory

I – Getting To Phillies Bullpen

Philadelphia was able to get by St. Louis, Atlanta, and San Diego to their first World Series since 2009 in large part to their strong rotation led by starters Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez, but their bullpen is a collection of journeymen like former Yankees closer David Robertson, lefties Brad Hand, and Jose Alvarado, and righty Seranthony Dominguez.

Houston’s offense has plenty of postseason experience and will likely take pitches to stretch the Phillies starters to their limit to get to their bullpen in the fifth or sixth inning.

II – Successfully Shutting Down Sluggers

Houston’s pitching was adept at shutting down the heart of the Yankees order, as power hitters Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton did not make a major impact in the ALCS. The heart of the Phillies lineup might pose a greater challenge with righty-hitting catcher JT Realmuto, Castellanos, and Rhys Hoskins, and the Astros have no left-handed relievers to help neutralize port siders Bryce Harper and 46-homerun hitter Schwarber.

III – The “A” Team

It is remarkable that the Astros have been able to navigate their way through the postseason without significant contributions from their two most prominent hitters. Pena, Bregman, and Gurriel are all hitting over .300 in the post-season, and McCormick hit a key home run in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, but Alvarez has been quiet after hitting a dramatic game-winning long ball in Game 1 vs. Seattle, and Altuve went hitless in his first 23 at-bats before coming alive late in the ALCS. To avoid an upset, Houston will need their leadoff hitter and slugger to break out.