Astros: Five things the team did well in 2018

Help from unexpected places

The test for a quality franchise isn’t exclusively the performance of its stars, but sometimes the help received from unexpected places. Let’s face it as every team is going to rely upon its depth sooner or later. The Astros were no different as Tony Kemp, Tyler White, Framber Valdez, Josh James, and others made a notable impact on the roster. Here is how the four that I had previously mentioned and how they performed by Wins Above Replacement (FanGraphs and Baseball Reference).

• Tony Kemp: 0.9 fWAR/1.0 bWAR

• Tyler White: 1.5 fWAR/1.6 bWAR

• Framber Valdez: 0.1 fWAR/1.1 bWAR

• Josh James: 0.4 fWAR/0.7 bWAR

Kemp and White filled in admirably during the regular season and postseason for Houston. Due to the injuries to Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer, the duo provided a spark in a lineup that needed it. If you’d require further proof, check out the Astros’ lineup during late July into early August. Trust me, their contributions were needed.

Thanks to McCullers and Morton suddenly finding themselves on the shelf with various arm ailments, James and Valdez were called upon to start. Both players were able to pitch well late in the season, and provided Houston a chance to regain its health. James, in the postseason, demonstrated what he is capable of when given an opportunity.

Like the Cardinals, the Astros long-term hope hinges on the quality depth produced by the minor league system. Thanks to a wave of reinforcements, Houston was able to hold off the A’s and Mariners for the AL West title. Without these guys, I am not sure that a division title would’ve happened.