Houston Astros: Assessing the Roster for the ALDS
2. The hitters
More than any other aspect of the Houston Astros ALDS roster, the one thing that has caused the most controversy is the position players. Nevertheless, Hinch made his choices. Personally, I don’t find really any of these to be a big surprise.
The infield was the most obvious to predict. Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, and Yuli Gurriel. These four are the main cogs in the machine that are the fielders/hitters. Not to be outdone, George Springer, Josh Reddick, Jake Marisnick, and Tony Kemp were the obvious choices for the outfield.
Youngster Myles Straw also made the ALDS cut, as his speed on the base paths could not go unnoticed. While Marwin Gonzalez is listed as the utility infielder, he may also be shifted to the outfield should the need arise.
light. More. The great weapon the Astros have to compete with the Indians
Then, there are the DH and utility spots. Unsurprisingly, BOTH Evan Gattis and Tyler White made the cut. White is the bigger contact threat, and the sheer power of El Oso Blanco and his second on the team 25 bombs was not about to be sidelined.
Not to mention, White can play any infield spot, and Gattis can still catch despite not doing it much in 2018. Still, some bear and shark attacks are on the horizon for any pitchers the tribe tries to throw at them during the ALDS.
This core of bats is going to be scary for the likes of Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Mike Clevinger. Then again, Halloween is just around the corner.