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Astros vs. Yankees: An analysis that defies explanation!

By Karen Watson |
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: A view of the patches on the New York Yankees uniform in game one of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 12, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: A view of the patches on the New York Yankees uniform in game one of the American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 12, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros is tagged out at home plate by Travis d’Arnaud #37 of the Tampa Bay Rays while attempting to score a run during the fourth inning in game four of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros is tagged out at home plate by Travis d’Arnaud #37 of the Tampa Bay Rays while attempting to score a run during the fourth inning in game four of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Position-by-position, we’ll compare Astros and Yankees offensive stats. (Note: The outcome was nothing close to what I expected when I started.)

Let’s see how things shake out. We all know that paper is one thing while our eyes are a whole different story. On paper, things don’t look so great for our boys. But with our eyes, and with the Astros being up 2 to 1 in the series, things are a lot different. Right?

A few things to keep in mind.

• It’s the postseason and these are small samples.

• The Yankees have 11 position players on their roster, while the Astros have 13.

• We have two players that each only have one AB in this series, and two of our starters only have 4 ABs. On the other hand, two Yankees have 3 ABs, one has 4, and the rest all have at least 11.

Catchers:

Gary Sanchez, with three games and 13 ABs, has a slash line of .077/.077/.154 with a slugging percentage of .077, with 1 Hit and 6 strikeouts.

Martin Maldonado, with 1 game, 4 ABs, has a slash line of .250/.250/.750, a slugging percentage of .500, with a double and 2 strikeouts; while Robinson Chirinos has played 2 games, had 7 ABs, no hits, and struck out 3 times.

So far, even combining their stats, the Astros take this category with a slash line of .125/.125/.375.

Astros -
Astros - /

First Base:

DJ LeMahieu is hot. No doubt about it. With his slash line of .385/.467/.851 and a slugging percentage of .385, the three games he’s started yielded 13 ABs with 5 Hits, 4 Runs, 1 RBI, and only one SO.

Yuli Gurriel, on the other hand, has seen better days. His slash line of .091/.154/.245, and even though he has yet to strike out and has a slugging percentage of .091 in his 3 starts and 11 ABs with 1 Hit and 1 RBI, he’s nothing like the Yuli we’ve been watching the last few months.

At the moment, the Yankees clearly have the advantage at 1B for the time being. But there is still time to turn this around.

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 07: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 07, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 07: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 07, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Second Base:

Torres and Altuve are neck and neck in this race. Torres and Altuve both have three starts and 12 ABs, with each having 2 Runs, 5 Hits. But that’s where things start to split up.

Gleyber Torres has a slash line of .417/.500/1.500 with a slugging percentage of 1.000, 1 2B, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 2 BBs and 2 SO.

While Jose Altuve‘s numbers are pretty close, .417/.462/1.128, his slugging percentage is at .667 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 HR, only 1 SO and a SB.

This race is too close to call.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 03: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 03, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 03: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 03, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Third Base:

Gio Urshela, in 3 games, has 11 ABs, with a slash line of .182/.250/.705 and a slugging percentage of .455. He’s has 1 HR, 1 BB, and 1 SO.

Alex Bregman, in the same 3 games, has 7 ABs with a slash line of .143/.538/.681. And while his slugging percentage is only .143 and his 2 SOs are somewhat uncharacteristic, his 5 BBs reflect the Bregman we all know and admire. His plate discipline is unmatched here.

With that, I’m giving the edge to the Astros, if only just for the OBP. You have to be on base to score runs.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 13: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates hitting a walk-off solo home run during the eleventh inning against the New York Yankees to win game two of the American League Championship Series 3-2 at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 13: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates hitting a walk-off solo home run during the eleventh inning against the New York Yankees to win game two of the American League Championship Series 3-2 at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Shortstop:

Like Altuve and Torres, Carlos Correa and Didi Gregorius have similar numbers in the amount of games and ABs, and that’s where the similarities end. Let’s have a look.

In 3 games, 12 ABs, Gregorius has a slash line of .083/.083/.167 with a slugging percentage of .083. In his 12 ABs, he has 1 Hit, 1 Run, and 1 SO.

Conversely, in the same 3 games, the same 12 ABs, Correa has a slash line of .167/.167/.667, with a slugging percentage of .500, 1 Run, 2 Singles, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBIs. And although he has 5 SOs, he’s making consistent contact.

Advantage, Astros!

Utility:

The Yankees don’t have a player that fits this profile, and Aledmys Diaz has only had 1 AB. So while this is an automatic advantage to the Astros, there is no point in the analyzation of his numbers at this point in the series.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros celebrates on first base after a hit in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 29, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros celebrates on first base after a hit in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 29, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

Outfield:

Things get somewhat tricky with the outfield comparisons because of the movement in the outfield both with the Yankees and the Astros. But we’re going to give it a shot.

Center Fielder:

Brett Gardner has played both CF and LF this series. His slash line in 13 ABs over these three games is at .154/.154/.308 with a slugging percentage of .154. He has 2 Hits, 0 Runs, and 5 SOs thus far.

George Springer, on the other hand, in his three starts and 12 ABs, is at .083/.214/.548 with a SLG of .333. But, he has 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BBs, and the same 5 SOs.

(I didn’t compare Jake Marisnick and Aaron Hicks. Between the two of them, they only have 4 ABs.)

Again, Advantage, Astros!

HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 05: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros hits a home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 05, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 05: Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros hits a home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 05, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Right Fielder:

Aaron Judge has started in all three games and has 13 ABs. He has 4 Hits, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 1 BB, and 4 SOs, and 1 SB. His numbers are .308/.357/.896 with a SLG of .538.

Josh Reddick has one start and one relief over two games with 4 ABs. He has 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB, and 1 SO and a slash line of .250/.250/1.250 and with a SLG of 1.000.

Kyle Tucker also has one start and one relief over two games with 4 ABs and 1 Hit, .250/.250/.500 and .250 SLG.

Clearly, this one belongs to the Yankees – so far anyway.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: Michael Brantley #23 of the Houston Astros follows through on a third inning infield single against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: Michael Brantley #23 of the Houston Astros follows through on a third inning infield single against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

LF:

Moving on over, we’ve got Michael Brantley with three starts, 13 ABs, 1 Run, 4 Hits, 1 BB, and 2 SO’s, he’s at an admirable .308/.357/.665 and SLG of .308.

Giancarlo Stanton, in one game, has 4 ABs, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 HR, 1 RBI, and 2 SO, .500/.500/1.750 and a SLG of 1.250.

Cameron Maybin has 3 ABs over two games with 1 Hit, 1 BB, and 2 SO, showing .333/.500/.833 and a SLG at .333.

While it appears, at least on paper, that this position advantage goes to the Yankees OF, even their combined stats aren’t enough of a sample size to compare, so this advantage goes to the Astros.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 14: Yordan Alvarez #72 of the Houston Astros hits the ball against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at The Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on March 14, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 14: Yordan Alvarez #72 of the Houston Astros hits the ball against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at The Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on March 14, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Designated Hitter:

Last, but never least, this brings up the DH for both teams, both of whom are struggling in this series and both of whom have played in all three games.

Edwin Encarnacion, in 12 ABs, has 1 SB, 1 2B, 2 BBs, and 6 SOs, and is showing .083/.214/.381 and a SLG of .167.

Yordan Alvarez has yet to break out this series with 10 ABs, 2 BBs, and 6 SOs, showing .000/.167/.167 and .000 SLG.

Clearly, these two are pretty evenly matched. This position is somewhat of a tie in my eyes.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 13: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off solo home run during the eleventh inning against the New York Yankees to win game two of the American League Championship Series 3-2 at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 13: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off solo home run during the eleventh inning against the New York Yankees to win game two of the American League Championship Series 3-2 at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Overall Team Stats:

From a team perspective, the Yankees have 109 ABs, 10 Runs, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 11 BBs, and 30 SOs with 1 SB. Their collective numbers are .229/.318/.722 with a combined SLG of .404.

Astros with 98 ABs, have a total of 7 Runs, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 13 BBs, and a matched 30 SOs and 1 SB. Collectively, they’re at .178/.301/.646 with a SLG of .345.

Take-Away:

Like I said, on paper, things are not looking so good for the Astros. It’s a good thing that we don’t play games on paper, right? Because our eyes are telling us an entirely different story.

On paper, at least, the Yankees have out-hit us, out-scored us, and presumably out-played us. But there’s one thing paper can’t do and that’s account for timing and clutch situations.

Baseball is funny that way and that’s why the games must be played. We can never take anything for granted and numbers NEVER tell the whole story. I think we all know this when we reflect on the things that happened in 2017 when we won the World Series. And while numbers don’t lie, they are not the end-all, be-all when it comes to the game of baseball.

Next. Astros Gerrit Cole is steamrolling through the postseason. dark

Sadly, there’s no baseball tonight because Mother Nature has seen fit to make sure that Game 4 of the ALCS has been officially postponed until tomorrow night, 7:08 p.m. CDT. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, we’ll have a rematch with Zack Greinke taking the mound and facing off with Masahiro Tanaka.

Let’s Go!

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