After 162 grueling games, the Houston Astros and New York Yankees squared off in the Bronx for the right to move on in October. The Young Kids Vs. The Old Money in a do-or-die, winner take all, game. And the young guns blasted two long balls and manufactured a run late to win 3-0.

This team has the sound of a story we heard just last year. New on the block, blossoming young talent, that has always been told they will turn the franchise around, has made good on their promise and has delivered the Houston Astros into October. The only problem is they are playing the slightly older, more talented version of themselves in the Divisional Series, the reigning A.L. Champs–Kansas City Royals.

The Houston Astros come to Kansas City after what was their best season since thier World Series run of 2005. The Astros are heading into this series with an 86-76 record, in second place in the A.L. West, and as the second wild card team. Houston's Coach, A.J. Hinch is even a young gun himself only managing with the Astros for the 2015 season, and a short replacement stint with the Diamond Backs before that. Hinch, a former Royal Catcher, is a top candidate for A.L. Coach of the Year, a position the Royals Ned Yost is also a possible candidate for.

Astro's Offense: The swing first, ask questions later Astros have a unique philosophy in comparison to the Royals. The Astros struck out an astronomical 1392 times this season (Most in the A.L.). By comparison, the Royals only struck out 973 times (Least in the A.L.). Yet that isn't to say all the Astros can do is mash mammoth homers. Like the Royals the Astros steal bases….and lots of them. This year the stros ripped off 121 bags. The Royals were the next closest with 104. This is not the epic clip of 153 that the Royals stole last year, but it is still best in the A.L.

Astros Lineup:

1. Jose Altuve 2b- One of the best hitters in the game, Altuve has lead the MLB in hits the last two years. Beyond hitting he is also a major stolen base threat committing 38 thefts in 2015 (Lorenzo Cain is the second highest with 28).

2. George Springer RF- The Astros have a few young studs on this team, but Springer was the one that may have been the most touted! Injured for parts of this season (after getting hit by the Royals in July) Springer seems to be back into mid-sesaon form. Springer is a dual threat with tremendous speed, and some real power!

3. Carlos Correa SS- Of all the young talent on Houston's ballclub, none seem to have the ceiling Correa has. My pick for A.L. Rookie of the Year, Correa has burst onto the scene in a big way. After avoiding bringing him up until June (for super two reasons I'm sure), Correa has taken off. If you would spread his numbers out over a full MLB season he would have hit 33 homers and 111 RBI's in his ROOKIE season. This 20 year old would have lead the Royals in both of these categories, and not to mention he is a flashy, tall shortstop that is on his way to stardom with these Astros!

4. Colby Rasmus LF- Possibly the douchest of players since Brett Lawrie, Rasmus leads the league in bat flips, and stringy hair. A wash-up with the Cardinals, and Blue Jays, this hot head has found a home in Houston. Rasmus does have some power, and a strong arm in the outfield. Yet, strikes out a lot, and is easy to get off of his game. Expect the Royals to try and test him early in the series.

5. Evan Gattis DH- The strongest baseball player alive, Gattis says, "no gloves, no problem." When he grips the bat, sawdust falls to the ground. Though not a base stealer, Gattis defies you to say he isn't speedy. If I were to ask you who had more triples this year, Paulo Orland, Jarrod Dyson, Lorenzo Cain, or Evan Gattis, there is no way you would say Gattis. But it was with 11!

6. Carlos Gomez CF- Traded to the Astros at the trading deadline, Gomez was recently crowned one of the 8 actual 5 tool players in the MLB (joining the likes of Mike Trout, Andrew McCutchon and Lorenzo Cain). However, Gomez recently tore some muscles in his intercostal ribs, and seems to still have some pain, especially when swinging and missing. He does not however, seem to have pain when he launches mamo-bombs like he did last night against Tanaka.

7. Luis Valbuena 3b- Another in the mold of Astros that take big cuts, and big misses. with 106 strikeouts this season, Valbuena has also belted 25 homers and a .224 avg. This power lefty adds some pop at the bottom of the line-up.

8. Cris Carter 1b- Pretty much the right handed Valbuena, with a bit more pop, and a few more swing and misses. The definition of all-or-nothing.

9. Jason Castro C- He is definitely on this team for his defense.

Astros Defense: A strong outfield and solid middle of the infield puts this team very above average on the defensive ends. The soft part of this team will be their corner infielders, and one the Royals may try to exploit as games get later, and scores stay low. Jason Castro may be the real difference maker (as Salvy will be on the opposite side). He will be the guy to neutrilize this running game, and continue to frame the corners.

Astros Pitching- The strength of this team lead by Dallas Kuechal, the Astros come in with a strong rotation. The 21 game winner is a strong candidate for the Cy Young, but struggles on the road. Kuechal is 15-0 at home however. But since Kuechal pitched the Wildcard game he is likely unavailable until Sunday's game 3. Toeing the rubber for the stros in game 1 will be Colin McHugh. McHugh is a 19 game winner with a 3.89 ERA this year. He beat the Royals in May with a solid 1 run 7 inning performance. Game two has not been decided yet for the Astros, however, my bet is on Scott Kazmir. Kazmir will be the possibly be the game two starter but was rocked for a 7+ era in the month of Septmeber. That being said he is a crafty lefty, and the Royals are not a strong team against soft throwing left handers, so I would bet to see him. The bullpen of this team is defintely their weakest part, but at the end of this bullpen is Luke Gregorson and his 31 saves.

So this being said, I think this Astros team is going to be a good match-up for the fans. Two fast paced teams, with some emerging stars! I think the experience and the chip on the shoulder of the Royals is going to carry them through however. This team still feels like they are being disrespected by the national media, and not getting the credit they deserve as the best team in the American League. So expect them to come out guns blazing against the Astros. I do expect the Astros to win the Kuechal game on Sunday in Houston, but I am sorry to say that is the only game I am expecting. I say Royals win in 4 games.

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