From the outside looking in, the Astros are massive favorites in the Fall Classic. If they play to their best capabilities, they should absolutely be lifting another trophy over their heads in the next week. While both teams are here for reason, the Astros enter this series as the team that is more talented overall. Here are my three keys to the Astros winning this series.
1) Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia
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The Astros have shown that they can win multiple games this postseason with a starting pitcher basically giving them nothing. But in the World Series, the margins are so slim that it is hard to imagine you winning a series without some of your starting pitchers balling out. These two games closed the door for you in the ALCS and were flat out dominant. They need more of the same for at least three starts in the series between the both of them.
2) Kyle Tucker
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Tucker is the one that does not get enough love outside of Houston and it is pretty safe to say that he does not care. His run production this postseason has been incredible, driving in 15 runs so far through 10 games. The Astros need more of the same from Tucker, because simply put, he might be the most consistent hitter on the team.
3) Cristian Javier
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Given that there is no telling exactly how much the Astros will get out of their starting pitching in this series, Javier's ability to give them some length out of the bullpen will be massive. He's tossed 7 2/3 scoreless so far in the postseason with 13 strikeouts so far. Simply put, the dude has been nails and they will need him to continue that trend in this series. I would be eyeing two, three inning appearances out of him before this series gets kicked off, hoping I do not have to ask him for more.
So there are my three biggest keys to the Astros winning this series. My official prediction? Astros in 6. Let's get ready to party, Houston.