Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros: Series Preview
The Oakland Athletics have just three wins to their four losses so far during this young season. Blown leads against a quality Mariners team in the final two games of the weekend series was not how the team wanted to end the home-stand, but we head to Houston to face the Astros, against whom the A’s have thrived in the last two seasons.
The A’s went 11-8 against Houston in 2014 and 15-4 in 2013.
Jason Burke of Climbing Tal’s Hill and I exchanged some words about the upcoming three-game series.
Jason answered some questions I had, which can be read below:
It appears the Astros have a stars and scrubs mentality through their roster. With stud relievers Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson, starters Collin McHugh and Dallas Keuchel, and hitters George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Chris Carter they have a solid core of players. But they lack depth in the rotation, bullpen, and outfield. How will this roster compete with the A’s — who rely on depth — during this first series and going forward?
The Astros have some solid pitching, but could be lacking a true ace. The rotation is in doubt, but one thing we’re all banking on is the power of the offense. Sure, they’ll strike out (a lot), but they should also crush a ton of home runs. When this team gets rolling, they should be able to outslug the A’s, and even out-pitch them at times.
Sep 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Chris Carter (23) celebrates with third base coach Pat Listach (20) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
I’ll set the over/under on home runs from former-Athletics during the series at 2.5. What are you taking?
Over. Jed Lowrie has shown some pop this season already, hitting two home runs in the early going. Chris Carter hit 37 a year ago–just three behind Nelson Cruz for the league lead. I also seem to remember Oakland pitching to Carter despite his great second-half numbers last season and he made them pay. Expect a repeat with the short porch in left.
Luis Valbuena had a semi-breakout season in 2014 and Jake Marisnick is a former top-100 prospect. I believe their acquisitions went under the radar. What can the Astros expect from these two guys in 2015?
Valbuena and Marisnick have shown their worth already this season. Some have said that if Jake Marisnick can just hit .260, with his elite defense he’ll be a star. Valbuena is an upgrade over Matt Dominguez, who’s in triple-A. He’s a tough at-bat, which should help some of the sluggers behind him get some better pitches to hit, while also helping Springer and Altuve on the basepaths.
There are at least seven former-Athletics on the Astros 40-man roster. Which one will make the biggest impact on this three-game series? The season series?
The easy answer would be Chris Carter, but let’s go with Gregerson. Ideally, you’ll be seeing him three times in the ninth inning as your hopes and dreams get dashed by his filthy slider.
On their television broadcasts this season the Astros stats and info department have been using advanced metrics such as FIP and BABIP. So my question is, who plays Jeff Luhnow and Jose Altuve in the movie adaptation of the 2015 season?
My duo is a bit off-the-wall, but I’m going with Kevin Hart and George Clooney. Hart is short (like Altuve), and is in everything. Clooney is still bitter about Brad Pitt playing Billy Beane in Moneyball, so this would be his act of revenge. Beane and Luhnow will have many laughs and start calling each other Brad and George.
Apr 10, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) pitches the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Series Preview:
Monday: Scott Kazmir (1-0, 0.00) vs. Scott Feldman (0-1, 1.35)
Tuesday: Kendall Graveman (0-1, 18.90) vs. Asher Wojciechowski (0-1, 9.00)
Wednesday: Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 0.00) vs. Collin McHugh (1-0, 1.50)
Josh Reddick is back in the Oakland lineup, which bodes well for the team’s outfield defense and lineup against right-handed pitchers. Although Sonny Gray won’t appear in this series, the A’s have the advantage on the mound with all-star Scott Kazmir starting game one and Drew Pomeranz in game three.
I think the A’s sweep the series. The Astros big bats haven’t woken up yet, while the A’s have been scoring runs at will. In this three-game set the A’s lineup will take advantage of the ineffectiveness of Scott Feldman and inexperience of Asher Wojciechowski before grinding out a win over sophomore starter Collin McHugh.