Houston Astros: Five Things We Learned From Last Night

Five Things We Learned From Last Night

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) looks for the sign against the New York Yankees during the first inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros stuck with the game plan they had all season last night. Hit home runs and out pitch the opposing team. The youngest team in baseball went into the Bronx last night to take on baseball’s most prized franchise: the New York Yankees. Dallas Keuchel quickly got in his groove and then mowed down the Yankees lineup. Colby Rasmus and Carlos Gomez each hit home runs off the first pitch in their at bats versus Masahiro Tanaka. ESPN reported that the Astros starting lineup salaries added up to approximately $27 million. The Yankees have four players over $20 million in CC Sabathia, Tanaka, Alex Rodriguez, and Jacoby Ellsbury. Last night, we were able to learn five crucial things about the Astros moving forward this postseason.

1. Dallas Keuchel is One Bad Dude

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If you have been watching the Astros all season, then you are not necessarily learning this. Despite the votes already being cast, Keuchel affirmed why voters should hand him this season’s A.L. Cy Young Award. Keuchel went six innings strong despite short rest. Keuchel said in a post game interview that he prefers short rest over the extended rest, which could be a major plus for the Astros moving forward. Keuchel allowed only three hits, one walk, and struck out seven.

Keuchel has an opportunity to be this postseason’s Madison Bumgarner. Last postseason, Bumgarner put the San Francisco Giants on his back to lead the organization to their third World Series in five years. Bumgarner dominated in the one game wild card versus the Pirates. He then proceeded to start in two games in the World Series while also pitching for the save in game seven to earn himself the World Series MVP.  Keuchel can have the same effect on Astros this postseason. His dominance on the location of his fastball, gold glove ability, and rise in strikeout rate can sit down some of the postseason’s best bats.

Next: Homers Still Get Wins

2. Homers Still Get Wins

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Carlos Gomez (30) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The primary reason a lot of analysts don’t believe the Astros can reach the World Series is their low batting average and high strikeout rate. It’s a valid conclusion. Postseason typically brings the best pitching, which in return is not good for low contact teams. However, the Astros showed last night the home run ball can still get it done for the team. While it might not be how they can win every game, they can certainly create problems for opposing pitching staffs.

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Outside of two pitches, the Yankees pitching staff did quite well last night only allowing five hits. But, two bad pitches from Tanaka equaled two home runs for the Astros. Opposing pitchers can’t afford to make mistakes versus this ball club. The low batting average and high strikeout rate very well could be the death of the Astros. But, the home run ball very well could allow the Astros to bring multiple pennants home.

Next: The Bullpen CAN Get It Done

3. The Bullpen CAN Get It Done

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Luke Gregerson (44) reacts after closing out the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Houston won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Keuchel’s elite performance last night, Astros fans never got comfortable knowing that eventually the one game dual would be handled over to the struggling bullpen. The bullpen cost the team multiple wins over the month of September and pretty much handed the A.L. West Champion pennant over to the Rangers. Hinch first handed the game over to Tony Sipp.  He struggled early on falling behind in counts and allowing a walk. But, Sipp kept his poise. He fought back in the count in multiple at bats to strike out one and shut down the Yankees lineup. You could easily see Sipp’s emotion throughout his pitching performance. Hinch then handed it to Will Harris and Luke Gregerson to retire the final six Yankees.

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Yes, the bullpen has had its struggles over the past month. But, the majority of the season this bullpen was as good as anybody not named their upcoming opponent. The bullpen might not be on the same elite level as the Royals. But, if the Astros can have dominate starting pitching along with getting ahead early in the game, the bullpen can get it done. If the bullpen can handle the rest of the postseason in the same fashion as last night, the Astros have a real chance to reach their first World Series since their 2005 sweep by the White Sox.

Next: Defense is Critical Part of Postseason Path

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