Astros: Three batters to watch in the ALCS

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 22: Yuli Gurriel
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 22: Yuli Gurriel
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The Astros’ offensive prowess will be an important aspect of the upcoming ALCS against the Yankees.

There simply wasn’t a team better in terms of OPS – .823 – or wRC+ – 121 – than the Astros in 2017. Their offense flirted with historic status all season long. If it wasn’t for a left thumb injury by Carlos Correa in mid-July, this Astros’ offense may have entered truly historic status.

But that is old news. The current opportunity for the Astros is the ALCS against the Yankees. Yes, the team Houston eliminated in the AL Wild Card game just two short years ago. New York also happened to be one of the top teams in terms of offense in baseball as well. And both teams are different, and better, than their 2015 counterparts

If the Astros want to advance their second-ever World Series, they will need contributions from up-and-down the roster. For one, the team will need its offensive firepower to continue. Jose Altuve. Carlos Correa. George Springer. Yuli Gurriel. Alex Bregman. Josh Reddick. The contributions can originate from many places.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 05: Evan Gattis
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 05: Evan Gattis /

Batter to Watch: Evan Gattis

Evan Gattis didn’t exactly have a notable 2017 season. His 325 plate appearances and 12 home runs were the fewest of his career by a large margin. Of course, these career-low numbers had more to do with various injuries and ailments than anything else. Thankfully for El Oso Blanco now, he is relatively healthy in the postseason.

Thus far in the 2017 postseason, Gattis has accumulated 12 plate appearances in three games. No home runs in those 12 plate appearances, but he has collected two singles and two doubles. One of his doubles in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Red Sox didn’t look particulary comfortable as he flopped into second base.

Anyway, Gattis has been one of the Astros’ key batters in the past few seasons. Since his 2015 season, Gattis has provided power and stability in the Astros lineup. He is also capable of producing many triples. See his 2015 highlights for more information.

Will Gattis play in every game in the ALCS?

Most likely not. And that is more due to matchup and the Astros’ starting pitcher for that particular game. All of Gattis’ at-bats have taken place with him as the designated hitter. Brian McCann and Juan Centeno are the likely catchers. However, Gattis has a more productive bat when he catches than as a designated hitter.

2017 Offensive Metrics as a catcher: .288/.335/.543, 133 wRC+, 11 HR, 37 RBI in 200 PA

2017 Offensive Metrics as a designated hitter: .218/.271/.309, 58 wRC+, HR, 13 RBI in 118 PA

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Astros use Gattis as a catcher in this series at least once. I am not saying it will happen, but it isn’t outlandish to think that it will. But Gattis does provide the Astros lineup with another capable batter who can change the game in one swing. The Yankees may need to be careful with El Oso Blanco.

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Yuli Gurriel
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Yuli Gurriel /

Batter to Watch: Yuli Gurriel

If it wasn’t for Jose Altuve’s incredible Game 1 of the ALDS, Yuli Gurriel may have received more attention. No, wait, he deserves more attention.

The Astros’ first baseman may not hit for much power or draw many walks, but his ability to get hits is an asset. He also doesn’t strike out much. For example, Gurriel has a .176 ISO in the postseason. But he has seven singles, a double and a triple. This is good for a .529 batting average.

Hey, hits are still better than outs.

Gurriel is a batter capable of helping the Astros in the postseason. He can help set the stage for his teammates. Gurriel did that well in the ALDS.

ALDS Offensive Metrics: .529/.556/.706, 248 wRC+, 7 1B, 2B, 3B

Unfortunately, he would only score one run in the ALDS. Just one. But he got on-base so what more can you ask for?

While Gurriel will not blow anyone away with his power or ability for extra bases, he does provide a consistent source of contact. And while walk rate is low – 3.9 BB% -, the Astros’ rookie strikeout rate isn’t bad as well – 11 K% – when you consider everything. He could be the type of contact threat the Astros need against the Yankees.

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 08: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Jose Altuve #27 after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 08: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Jose Altuve #27 after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Batter to Watch: Carlos Correa

When you think of the Astros’ lineup, Carlos Correa should immediately come to mind. His numbers would’ve been close to MVP-worthy if it weren’t for his left thumb injury in mid-July. If Correa turns it on in the ALCS, the Yankees will need to be on high alert.

Oh, wait, they are most likely on high alert right now.

The main reason I put Correa in this list is the threat of him showing up in a big way in this series. He has the capability of taking over and pilot the Astros to a World Series berth. That’s how good the shortstop is as a batter.

You can bet that the Yankees fully know what Correa is capable of in the batter’s box.

2017 Offensive Metrics vs. NYY: .500/.531/.786, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 3 BB, 4 SO in 32 PA

While the Astros are capable of beating the Yankees in a best-of-seven series without this kind of production from Correa, you better believe they would feel much better about their chances. Correa did have a pretty good ALDS against the Red Sox as he hit two home runs to go with an 151 wRC+ in 19 plate appearances.

Oddly enough, the Astros’ shortstop could be much better. Much better. There were a few instances when he left multiple baserunners in scoring position. A hit or two could’ve allowed the Astros to sweep Boston. Or not. But Correa did leave opportunities out there on the diamond. While he may or may not succeed, look for Correa to aim on capitalizing on these opportunities soon.

Next: Astros vs. Yankees AL Championship Series Preview

As we look forward to the ALCS later this evening, the Astros have a prime opportunity in front of them. Thankfully, they possess one of the deepest lineups in baseball. If they can click on all cylinders, the Yankees pitching staff may be in for a rough week.

**Statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference and Fangraphs**

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