Houston Astros: Five Things We Learned From Last Night

4. Defense is Critical Part of Postseason Path

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) completes a double play over New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) during the sixth inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

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Multiple fly outs to deep in the outfield gave Astros fans heartbeat skips. But, George Springer would rob a Yankee hit and Carlos Gomez looked back to his speedy self to catch a few at the warning track. Carlos Correa continued to prove he can be an elite defensive shortstop for years to come.  The defense was a large part of the Giants and Royals success last season. The Astros have elite outfield defenders in Springer, Gomez, Marisnick, and even Rasmus. Valbuena continued to show he can be a defensive asset at third base.  Chris Carter and Marwin Gonzalez got it done at first. Obviously, Jose Altuve will continue to contribute defensively as well.

The Astros had the sixth least errors in the regular season while also ranking seventh in fielding percentage.  Baseball Prospectus ranked the Astros fourth in defensive efficiency.   The Astros commitment to defensive shifts put the team in a good position multiple times last night.  They were second this year in MLB with 1,416 shifts.

Next: AJ Hinch Can Manage the Postseason