Astros: How the ABC’S compare to the Killer B’s

John Gaston

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 29: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros celebratres with Carlos Correa #1 and Jose Altuve #27 after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Comparing the best groups of players in Houston Astros history.

DENVER – APRIL 8: Craig Biggio #7 and Jeff Bagwell #5 of the Houston Astros watch the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on April 8, 2002. The Rockies won 8-4. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Well, the accolades have been awarded to Houston Astros individuals, and playoff checks are being cut. Other than the upcoming Winter Meetings there isn’t a whole lot going on in baseball right now. This leaves a man to ponder (while metabolizing my turkey and stuffing), just how well the current Astros players compare to the past. We will look at Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and George Springer (ABC’S). Then we will compare them to the legends Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Lance Berkman (Killer B’s).

The B’s that I’ve selected were Astros for their entire careers. With the minor exception of Berkman who ended up being traded in his twilight years. Let’s look at the numbers.

ABC’S:

Jose Altuve

Alex Bregman

Carlos Correa

George Springer

The Killer B’s:

Craig Biggio

Here is the greatest player in Astros history with Craig Biggio pic.twitter.com/hYIaK8YV5N
— Maggies Baby Boy (@MrJoshLikeABoss) November 19, 2017

Jeff Bagwell

Lance Berkman

Comparisons

Now there are quite a few different ways in which we can compare the numbers. That’s the beauty of baseball. Once a debate appears to be settled, the number geeks come out with a new statistic or point of view and boom. The argument picks up again.

Today I am comparing the collective statistics of both groups. As a result, we can whittle down the stats to be as follows:

ABC’s:

Killer B’s

The Results

It appears the B’s were slightly better during the regular season with just a tick higher batting average, and a higher on-base percentage, slugging and OPS. They averaged a home-run in 4.3% of their at-bats, and an RBI 15.6%, compared to the ABC’S 3.5% and 12.6% respectively.

The postseason sings a little bit different of a tune. The B’s were .001 lower in average, higher in on-base percentage, but significantly lower in slugging and OPS.

Obviously, we can factor in a multitude of more variables when comparing the two groups. The different strategies, team strengths, and weaknesses can alter an approach at the plate. Or you can justifiably argue the B’s have a larger sample size to choose from. All in all, though, the similarities are there.

This is a great young group of hitters to be even in the ballpark in comparison to two Hall of Famers (BagPipes and #7) and a debatable one in the Big Puma.

Next: Astros: Can words really describe how good Jose Altuve is?

In conclusion, time will ultimately tell. So far with where Altuve, Bregman, Correa, and Springer are in their careers, the ABC’S are quickly etching their place in Astros history.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***

John Gaston