Houston Astros: Lackluster offense not as bad as it seems
The Houston Astros look great on the mound but have had issues at the plate. While they may not surpass last year’s phenomenal numbers, they are still scoring at a good pace. In fact, they look similar to last year at this point in the season.
The Houston Astros boasted the best offensive team in the bigs last season. While they had issues up to this point, they still aren’t far off from last year’s numbers at this point.
That means the bats are poised for a big breakout as summer begins.
Last year’s club manufactured 896 total runs, the most by any team since the 2009 Yankees, and the most by a Houston team since 2000 – a record 938 runs. But at this point last season, the offensive juggernaut had 290 runs through 47 games.
The Astros offense has 278 through 47 games this year, which is not a substantial difference from last year. That team also had amassed double-digit runs in just five affairs. Houston has the same amount in that category this season.
Nevertheless, last year’s team finished the season with 23 games in which it scored 10 or more runs. However, there are some statistics displaying why last year’s offense seemed much better – and possibly more exciting.
Seven players with more than 450 plate appearances hit better than .275 last year for the Astros. And an absurd eight players smacked 15 or more homers as well, hence why they ranked second in that category in the MLB.
This year’s offense has scored more via timely hitting, rather than relying so much on contact or power. Just three players sport averages better than .270, while only three guys are predicted to hit more than 15 home runs at this pace.
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Moreover, A.J. Hinch and crew may surpass last year’s squad in shutouts. Opponents allowed zero runs against in the Astros in four games this year. That happened just six times last season.
The most impressive trend that Houston maintained last year at the plate dealt with discipline. During Hinch’s first two years in the Lone Star State, his offense registered more than 2.6 strikeouts per every walk.
Last year, that number dwindled down to 2.14, a significant improvement. That also ranked as the fewest strikeouts for any team in the league.
Opposing pitchers have fared much better against the team’s potent offense regarding punch-outs. Astros hitters have 394 strikeouts against 163 walks – a 2.42 ratio. They still sit outside the top 10 for teams with the most strikeouts.
But that’s a trend Hinch will want to cease as the season progresses.
Next: Astros' great fielding/pitching interdependent
Overall, Houston hasn’t seemed as intimidating offensively as it was last season. Yet, the reigning World Series champions picked it up as the weather grew warmer. By the end of last season, the potent lineup was the best in the bigs.
When the regular season ends, the Houston Astros might find a way into the top five in runs scored. It ’s possible, especially with the team’s depth and outstanding hitting ability.