ASTROS WILL HIT WAY TO AL TITLE
Aces Keuchel and Verlander should be enough to complement the frightening Houston offence
It seems obvious major-league managers have finally figured out how to manipulate the shorter five-game MLB playoff format by maximizing their most talented pitchers while still being prepared with a rotation for the seven-game championship series. That’s the real reason fans saw so many of the playoffs teams’ quality starting pitchers — Justin Verlander, Chris Sale, Trevor Bauer, Jon Lester — called into relief duty in the best-of-five division series, guys that had started either Game 1 or 2. Now that all playoff series in the next two rounds are back to a best-ofseven, starters will be back to being starters and the team’s with the deepest rotations will be back to owning the series advantage.
ALCS Astros (101-61; 3-1) vs. Yankees (91-71; 1-0; 3-2)
Starters: The top three starters in the Yankees rotation — Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Luis Severino — all came up huge against the Indians, with the veteran Sabathia pitching twice and providing unexpected impetus and inspiration. Tanaka continues to confound doubters with his refusal to give in to hitters and the talented youngster Severino bounced back from what could have been a devastating blow in a dismal wildcard assignment. Astros manager A.J. Hinch started Verlander and Dallas Keuchel in that order against the Red Sox but, with Verlander used in a key relief role in a clinching Game 4, the roles will be reversed to start this series. With Charlie Morton and Brad Peacock filling out the Astros rotation, the depth advantage goes to the Yankees. But the Astros’ top two guys rule. Edge: Even Bullpen: The Yankees deadline moves are paying off, with closer Aroldis Chapman and erratic setup man Dellin Betances aided by power arms David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle and Chad Green. The Astros’ bullpen has seen an effective closer in Ken Giles, but the setup role can become a potential issue. Chris Devenski, Luke Gregerson, Joe Musgrove and left-hander Francisco Liriano don’t scare anyone. Edge: Yankees.
Lineup: It should be concerning to Yankee fans that the trio of Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Chase Headley were a combined 5-for-55 in the ALDS. Judge, the top rookie and MVP candidate, had one hit in 20 at-bats with two walks and 16 strikeouts. The Yankees hit just .201 with a .646 OPS against the Indians, scoring just 21 runs in five games. The Astros had three position starters in the ALDS vs. the Red Sox with an OPS above 1.000 — Jose Altuve, Yuli Gurriel and George Springer. Carlos Correa and Springer returned from injury to become keys to the Astros offence after Altuve carried them for much of the summer. The Astros hit .333 with a .974 OPS against Boston, slamming eight homers and scoring 24 runs. Both teams are capable of producing big and sudden run totals. Edge: Astros. Intangibles The Astros have not advanced to the World Series since 2005, when they were led by Carlos Beltran and Roger Clemens, and swept by the White Sox. The Yankees have won 27 World Series crowns and Monument Park at Yankee Stadium is an inspiration to current players every time they take the field. Edge: Yankees. Pick: Astros in seven.