Houston Astros: The two biggest X-Factors for the team’s playoff run
By T.A. Mock
The Houston Astros are rapidly approaching the playoffs and the team looks ready from top to bottom but, two players rise above the rest as potential X-Factors. Those men are Carlos Correa and Lance McCullers Jr.
The Houston Astros clinched a playoff berth late last week. With the A’s loss last night, the matchup against the Indians in the ALDS is set in stone and the Astros are officially AL West Champions for the second year in a row.
As I’ve stated before, this is the best situation for the Astros for a variety of reasons. The Astros odds of advancing to the ALCS are pretty high with this matchup as the Indians have great players but, they haven’t played meaningful baseball in over a month and have a weaker team than previous years.
The Astros, on the other hand, have been playing meaningful baseball and fighting for the division for almost the entire season. This is no indictment on what this team has accomplished this year, the competition has simply been better in division. In fact, the 2018 Houston Astros are actually three games head of the 2017 Houston Astros were at this point in the season.
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The Astros also have a legitimate shot at setting a new franchise high in wins. After winning Tuesday night in Toronto, the Astros reached the century mark in the win column. They have five more games to win three in order to set a new franchise record for wins at 103.
But, enough about that. As exciting and historic it would be to set a new record for wins, this team is deadset on repeating as World Champions. After fighting all year long and being an excellent team from top to bottom, they’re poised to do so.
The roster is rock solid from the leadoff man George Springer all the way to the end of the bench. The pitching rotation is even better starting with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole all the way to the closer role with Robert Osuna.
However, two guys stand out above to rest to have an extra, increased impact in the playoffs. So, let’s take a look at two guys, one batter and one pitcher, who will be X-Factors for this team come playoff time.