Two years ago, the Houston Astros defeated the Yankees in a thrilling 7 game series en route to their first World Series title. Many of the same players are back, although Joe Girardi, who managed the Yankees in the 2017 ALCS, will likely be in the Fox booth this time.
Houston gutted out a five game ALDS win over Tampa Bay in which the home team won all five games. They won the regular season series over New York, 4-3. They also have the most lethal 1-2-3 combination in starting pitching. However, the #3 starter, Zack Greinke, goes tonight, after getting shelled by Tampa Bay in game 3 of the ALDS on Monday. The Bombers answer with Masahiro Tanaka. New York is well rested after sweeping Minnesota away in three games. Winning either of the first two games will swing home field advantage to the Yankees, who'd like nothing better than to return to the World Series for the first time since their last title run 10 years ago. Bear in mind that they lost their top winner, Domingo German, when he was picked up on domestic violence charges last month.
Since German was removed from the roster, James Paxton, picked up in the off-season from Seattle, has stepped up. Luis Severino was finally activated from the IL last month, and has been worked in slowly. Verlander, who will go tomorrow, may still be smarting from a game 4 loss to Tampa, and will look to take it out on New York.
Tri-City Valleycats fans will be tuning in just as much as the Yankee hardcores, because if Houston runs the table and wins it all again, the World Series trophy likely will return to Troy for another visit next summer. The 518 is not 100% Yankee country anymore.
This will be fun to watch, but, knowing the Yankees, the pace will resemble a snail-turtle race on an iceberg.
Pick: Houston in 7. Of course, I could be wrong.
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