Astros: Three batters to watch in the ALCS

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.

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.

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.