WHAT'S THE DEAL?

This unexplainable Astros x-factor looms large for the postseason

The Astros are in the middle of another exciting playoff push and as the regular season is coming to a close, we're seeing the offense climb up the rankings as the season progresses.

In fact, while most of the season Houston's offense has been middle of the pack, going into Monday's game against the A's, the Astros were Top 5 in team OPS.

But one thing that has been an ongoing issue for the club, is how they perform at home. Currently, the 'Stros are 37-36 at home, while being substantially better on the road (45-27).

If the Astros are able to continue their winning ways and make the postseason once again, should there be any concern about their struggles at home?

This is a team that lost every game of the World Series at home and won every game on the road in 2019. Does home-field advantage really matter that much to the Astros who are clearly better on the road?

And what is causing the team to hit so much better outside Minute Maid? Chandler Rome of The Athletic wrote a piece about Jose Abreu's issues with the batter's eye at the Juice Box.

If this something the team might look to change during the offseason?

Check out the video above for the full conversation!

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The Houston Astros managed to win the AL West once again, and while things got a little nerve wracking toward the end of the season, when it mattered most, the 'Stros took care of business.

It certainly didn't hurt to get a little help from the Mariners, beating the Rangers 1-0 on Sunday, paving the way for the Astros to secure the division. Rangers fans and members of their broadcast team were none too pleased with the Diamondbacks resting some of their starters on Sunday.

But let's be real, with the division on the line, the Rangers couldn't even manage to score a single run on Sunday against Seattle. That's why they're playing in the Wild Card series, not because of how Arizona approached Sunday's game.

So what did we learn during these must-win games over the last week? A lot was made of GM Dana Brown's comments on the team's flagship station. Brown was hoping manager Dusty Baker would put the best offensive lineup on the field. Yainer Diaz did not start a single game of the Diamondbacks series. But Chas McCormick played every game of the Mariners and Diamondbacks series, except for the finale against Seattle, after being hit in the back with a fastball the night before.

Michael Brantley played in two of three against Arizona, so he appears to be an option Dusty will turn to moving forward. And with the Astros only scoring 1 and 2 runs in two of the three wins against the D-Backs, the Astros need every bit of offense they can get.

Plus, we discuss how getting extra rest for Michael Brantley, Jose Abreu, and the bullpen could pay huge dividends for the club. And don't look now, but Jose Abreu is getting hot at just the right time!

Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion.

And be sure to watch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) every Monday on SportMapHouston's YouTube channel.

Listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.


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