Prediction: Astros In Six
Houston has two Cy Young caliber starters in Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander going in Games 1 and 2. When those two have the chance to go four or maybe five games in a best-of-seven series, you have to like their chances.
On the other hand, the Yankees’ rotation will have to deal with a complete lineup that led the Majors in runs scored during the regular season. They won’t see the core of that lineup slump the way Lindor, Encarnacion, and Ramirez did in the ALDS — as they aren’t dependent on any one player.
The Astros have 10 players with 50-plus RBI’s, making them just the fourth team in Major League history to have 10-plus players collect 50-plus RBI’s in a single season. When we say “deep lineup,” we mean it.
Yes, New York has a bullpen that has wreaked havoc in the postseason thus far and yes they have all the momentum in the world. However, the Astros look like they’re an unstoppable force.
Unless the Yankees work the pitch count early on and take advantage of the shaky middle relief unit in Houston, the Cinderella story that is the 2017 New York Yankees will come to an end.
Staff Picks
- Rob Sabo: Yankees, 4-1.
Dallas Keuchel has been one long nightmare for anything Pinstripes the last couple of years. It stops now. Not only will the Yanks dominate Game 1, but they’ll ride that momentum with the best bullpen in the game to a quick 5-game series victory. ALCS MVP will be Greg Bird who, along with Didi Gregorius, make for an even dangerous lefty duo than the righty mash brothers of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez.
- Rick Weiner: Yankees, 4-3.
All the pressure is on Houston, just like it was on Cleveland in the ALDS. We saw how that went for the Tribe. The Yankees have proven they can thrive when they’re the underdog.
- Allison Case: Astros, 4-1.
The Astros come in red-hot, have a stellar rotation and the potential MVP on their team. I don’t see the Yankees overcoming this firepower unless the entire lineup comes ready to play every day. Astros make the World Series, Yankees go home, heads held high.
- Bryan Pol: Yankees, 4-2.
New York has a sizable advantage in their starting rotation that is established, well-rested, and deeper than Houston’s. The only hindrance is the lineup; theirs pales in comparison to Houston’s one through nine, especially with the heart of the order, Judge, Sanchez, and Bird, scuffling of late.
- Benny Tomko: Yankees, 4-3.
With the entire planet counting them out after going down two games to none against the team with the best record in the AL in the Cleveland Indians, uncle Moe is completely on their side. I feel the losses come against Kuechel, but I don’t believe that’s going to be enough. Timely hitting, veteran leadership and playing with house money lead to the Yankees being four wins away from number 28.
- Zack Martino: Yankees, 4-2.
After an improbable comeback against the American League’s best, the Cleveland the Indians, the Yankees are coming into Houston will all of the momentum in the world. In the ALDS, the Yankees proved they could go toe-to-toe with anyone in baseball with their better than expected starting rotation and deep bullpen. This was all done without contributions from slugger Aaron Judge, who can heat up at any second and change the course of what should be an amazing series.
