The Second Half Of The Lineup Has Concerns

As I wrote last week, if the Astros finish the postseason by hoisting their second title, it will likely be due to the success of their arms. There arguably isn't a pitching staff as deep as Houston's in 2022. Whether that reputation means anything in October is left to be seen as a short series can wreak havoc on pre-conceived notions about a club with triple-digit win totals. Don't look any further than the Mets-Padres series last weekend.

But the pitching staff can't do it all, regardless of how well it has performed this year. Sooner or later, the Astros will need their bats to step up, whether to open an early lead or when the opposition manages to post a crooked number in the box…