2017's MLB Surprise

While no doubt millions will talk about the Boston Celtics and the gruesome injury that may have ended Gordon Hayward's season, baseball has a bit of a series in the American League Championship Series. At the time of this blog, the Houston Astros and New York Yankees are tied, each with two games a piece out of seven. The Yankees staged late inning heroics in the seventh and eighth to even the series as they finish their home stretch of the ALCS. What makes them tick?

With the last two games, there has been a surge in their offense. These are the two top home run teams and the Yankees have shown their biggest strength. It all starts with Aaron Judge, who has cracked a few long balls in these last two games. Other big contributors in the postseason include Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird, Didi Gregorius, and Todd Frazier in getting those runs in. They are capable of getting guys on base as well, which has lead to these home runs.

One of the bigger surprises is the starting group of pitchers. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have shown up in October, especially Tanaka. Getting quality starts have been the key for these two in the Division Series against the Cleveland Indians and this series against the Astros. The starting rotation hasn't given up too many runs and have one of the lowest E.R.As in the playoffs this year despite some flops for Luis Severino. They need to step up their game if they want a shot at that World Series title.

The bullpen is the lifeblood of the Yankees. Considering some of the moves in the summer, it might be stronger than ever. Consistency will be the big factor as they continue with the series and possibly World Series. The team has to stop the big starters of Houston in Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. They are about as deadly a duo, though I feel like Keuchel is doctoring his pitches. No one's pitches are that nasty when they hang low. Verlander has the playoff experience considering his time in Detroit and it has paid off. The Astros got a solid offense with guys like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa.

Both these teams have the necessary tools. One of them is bound to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although it's too early to predict them as the ones winning the National League pennant, they look to be the easy favorite to get back into the World Series for the first time since 1988. It will certainly be tough dealing with Clayton Kershaw if it does come down to that unless the Chicago Cubs can stage a huge comeback. For now, the Yankees are making the 2017 playoffs a year to remember for Major League Baseball. No one expected them to get this far. With the veterans and young players gelling together, they have the makings of a contender/dynasty for a good five, six years.