Houston Opponents, You Have a Problem
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The Houston Astros have reached a new level of baseball dominance having the experience and firepower to become the next dynasty in baseball. They have won the pennant three times in the last five seasons and continue to set the standard on what a successful organization looks like. It is no surprise the Astros are heavy favorites for the World Series every year with high expectations awaiting them. This season is no different with the Astros looking to make another deep postseason run towards the Commissioner’s Trophy.
However, opponents will have a tough task ahead of them with the Astros pitching rotation being one of the best in baseball. The big three combining of Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and Cristian Javier have a combined 166 ERA+ proving how dominant this core has been against extremely tough competition. Other contributions from Jose Urquidy, Jake Odorizzi, the acquisition of Lance McCullers Jr. back in the mix, and pitching prospects like Hunter Brown showing great promise back has created a stacked rotation. All of these arms have led manager Dusty Baker to experiment with a six man rotation as other teams have tested this out, possibly innovating a new era of baseball. The Astros have the second best starter ERA in baseball behind the LA Dodgers.
This rotation is spearheaded by Justin Verlander, the heavy favorite for the AL Cy Young award with a league leading 1.84 ERA, 210 ERA+ and 0.855 walks and hits per IP. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer continues to showcase why he has been one of the best pitchers of the past decade. Verlander would capture the third Cy Young award of his career if he wins. Although Verlander has struggled slightly in the postseason during his time with the Astros, we are seeing peak Justin Verlander who is capable of carrying his team to the promised land.
Next, Framber Valdez has proven to be one of the most consistent pitchers in all of baseball this season. Valdez is chasing history looking to break the record for most consecutive quality starts in history. As of September 15th, Valdez is currently at 24 consecutive quality starts. The number to beat being 26 was set by first ballot Hall of Famer Bob Gibson and Mets ace Jacob DeGrom. This level of greatness is unprecedented because of its longevity as Valdez has had a qaulity start since April 25th and hasn’t looked back. The Dominican-born lefty also has the most complete games in the American League under his belt with three.
Valdez has also shown promise for becoming a great postseason pitcher. Valdez had a stellar 2020 playoffs with a 1.60 ERA through 24 IP and a solid 2021 ALCS performance. Along with having momentum combined with his postseason experience, Valdez could be the dark horse for becoming the best pitcher of the 2022 postseason.
AP Photo/Noah K. Murray
Lastly, Cristian Javier has become the unicorn of the Astros pitching rotation. Javier has shown his versatility while being capable of pitching well in the rotation as well as in the bullpen when needed. As a result, the Astros have had a greater advantage than most by being able to throw Javier in any high leverage situation. Javier is having his breakout season posing a 2.87 ERA, while starting 22 games and making five quality relief appearances.
The Astros rotation became the best in the American League this season even without the contributions of Lance McCullers Jr. The right-handed pitcher spent majority of the 2022 season making his way back to the team after suffering a flexor tendon forearm strain during the postseason last year. McCullers has proven he can pitch well when it matters most by having a good track record in the postseason.
Through playoff experience, great pitching ability, and incredible pitching depth, the Astros rotation heading into October is definitely a scary sight for any lineup.
