Houston Sports: Versatility has been the blueprint for success

It has been a hell of a renaissance for Houston Sports. Just a few seasons ago, when us fans were in doldrums wondering when things would be on right side for all of our teams, we’re not enjoying a period of time where each of the Big 3 teams is enjoying some sort of success. The major component of why these teams are successful because of keen attention to their versatility. Let’s examine this further.

It’s truly a great time to be a Houston Sports fan. The success that has been sustained by the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Texans as well as the Houston Dynamo as of late has some purpose in demonstrating that each and every organization is committed to winning and are willing to spend the necessary resources in order to do so.

Under the tutelage of Jeff Luhnow, the Astros have their own analytics department to cull each and every minute detail of the players that are on the baseball team. It truly has been a terrific weapon for the team, one that many mocked in the past but now seems to be duplicated in some fashion with most of baseball now.

Daryl Morey has instituted statistical analysis in his wheelhouse as well which is a large reason why the Rockets are successful to this day. Since his tenure over the last 11 years, we’ve had competitive teams to watch year-in and out but we’re now finally seeing his vision of a Rockets team molded into his image.

I’m positive that advanced analysis is used to large a extent for the Texans and the Dynamo but to a lesser extent than the aforementioned teams. That’s okay — as long as they’re winning games and having success in the postseason, that’s all that matters.

But there’s one thing that these teams have in common.

What’s that you might say Houston Sports fans? These teams have a strong affinity in bringing in players with immense versatility. It’s actually a simple and prudent approach to building a sports team. There are too many variables that come into play within a season and you want players that can take on more than one position to ensure that the team as a whole is always at their strongest.

As for the Texans, Houston Sports fans don’t have to look further than their quarterback in Deshaun Watson with his incredible offensive skillset. He can run, juke, and throw the ball deep with marked accuracy. Although Jadaveon Clowney is listed as a outside linebacker, we all know he can easily be switched over to defensive end to let him free reign and wreck havoc on opponents.

It’s also important to note that Tyrann Mathieu — a top free agent signing — can also take on the cornerback position in addition to his natural position of safety. Zach Fulton and Senio Kelemete can also take on different positions of the offensive line as well.

With the Astros, no utility man is more important than Marwin Gonzalez, who has been penciled in every position out on the field except pitcher and catcher. That’s a notable feat and it continues solidify not the value he has to this team but his personal wealth as well. We already know what you can mix-and-match our outfield with versatile members such as George Springer, Jake Marisnick, Josh Reddick as well as Derek Fisher.

Alex Bregman is a natural shortstop but has proven that he can play the third base position quite

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well and at a dominant level. The main reason why J.D. Davis is on this team is because of his ability to play not only in the infield but can pitch in relief if the bullpen is wearing thin. He’s that good were he actually throws enough heat — in the mid 90s — to generate some strikes which is paramount. Evan Gattis can not only catch but can be inserted into the lineup as the designated hitter because his strong ability to make something happen with the baseball.

Collin McHugh and Brad Peacock are starters within their own right but because of this team’s depth, they’ll be in the bullpen. It’s good to know that you could count on these guys to spot start when needed if this team gets into tough situations later in the season.

And how about the Rockets? The defensive prowess of forwards Luc Mbah a Moute and P.J. Tucker proves that you can put these men anywhere on the court. Tucker has been used a center many times when the lineups tends to go small. And to a lesser extent, forward Ryan Anderson, a guy that we wondered if he had any additional dimensions in his game, has been used a center quite a bit and has typically worked out well. That’s why these guys are here.

The Dynamo even have inked veteran defender Adolfo Machado last season, who made a tremendous impact in their playoff run and is still doing so now out on the field.

Next: Top 10 Astros games in franchise history

So the adage that will continue to ring in our heads is the plethora of versatility these teams have and it will be in the key component to their success. I’m all for it and I certainly hope it continues to yield positive results to each team’s success. We’ll have to see about this but it’s certainly a step in the correct direction.

Go Houston Sports.

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