FEAR THE BEARD
Game 1 starter has launched ’Stros with arm & voice
HOUSTON — Dallas Keuchel could not hide his disappointment. Or maybe the 2015 Cy Young winner just refused to hide it. The righthander came right out and said he was disappointed the Astros front office wasn’t able to make a move to bolster what he felt was a World Series team at the July 31 trade deadline.
Maybe looking back, it will be Keuchel’s nasty sinker that propels the Astros to the World Series for the first time since 2005. If they win it all, however, more likely it will be his brutal honesty that helped Houston to its first World Series championship in team history.
Keuchel, who has simply dominated the Yankees, will try to get the Astros a step closer on Friday. He will start Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Yankees, at Minute Maid Park. In part because of his frank comments, he will be followed by another Cy Young winner, Justin Verlander. The Astros went out and traded for the former Tiger at the Aug. 30 waiver trade deadline.
It is the one-two pitching punch that Keuchel and the Astros felt they needed to complement the most powerful offense in baseball to make a serious run at a World Series.
It also gave Astros manager A.J. Hinch a lot to work with to get here and for a promising future.
“Dallas Keuchel has been remarkable as an Astro, he’s been remarkable in my three years here. We hand him the ball and the entire room knows we have a chance to win,” Hinch said. “So we’re well aware he’s had success against the Yankees, we’re very confident in this ballpark. He’s pitched extraordinarily. So, look, having Verlander and Keuchel in the decision that goes one, two, the fact that we have both is a huge advantage for us.”
But Keuchel was the obvious choice to start things off against the Yankees.
Keuchel has the lowest ERA in history among all pitchers who ever made at least six starts against the Yankees (1.41). Including his six shutout innings against the Bombers in the 2015 wild-card game, Keuchel has a career ERA against them of 1.24. He has never allowed a home run to the 188 Yankees he has faced. It’s not some kind of grudge, just good pitching. “I don’t know, I mean, we’re one of only four teams left, so at this point a lot of guys have had success pitchingwise on either the Indians or the Yankees. But it’s not just because it’s the Yankees. I think it’s just been a culmination of command, location, maybe a little bit more confidence,” Keuchel said after a workout at Minute Maid Park Thursday. “And just because it’s the Yankees you kind of get a little bit more amped and a little more jittery because it is the pinstripes and such a storied organization.
“But I think it’s just a coincidence that my command and location have been better than what it usually is against them.”
After dealing with shoulder pain all of 2016 and neck issues earlier this year, Keuchel has finished 2017 strong. That is in part due to being healthy, but there are some who feel the addition of Verlander has helped Keuchel.
“He’s got so much accomplishment in this game that Dallas can draw from, it’s impossible not to get a little bit better,” Hinch said. “He’s got a partner in crime, he’s got a-one-two punch.”
Then adding with a laugh: “Dallas was very outspoken in July, in case you missed it. He wanted a partner. All of that I think was positive energy towards where we’re at today.”
An AL Central scout said it’s been good for both pitchers.
“Verlander has regained his old form, electric stuff,” the scout said. “Keuchel has an unbelievable sinker. He commands exceptionally well and a plus changeup. They complement each other very well.”
Keuchel has taken to having another ace in the rotation, particularly one with playoff experience.
“But just to have him over here is a sense of relief for everybody, including myself,” Keuchel said. “It’s nice to have that guy who has done it to where I can ask questions, whatever it is, life, baseball, and it’s truly going to be a joy for the next two years.”