2017 Houston Astros: Playoff Roster & World Series Run

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

The 2017 Houston Astros playoff roster represents a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. This was the team that brought Houston its first-ever World Series title, a victory celebrated with immense joy and, later, tinged with controversy. Let's dive into the details of that roster, examining the key players, their roles, and the impact they had on the Astros' remarkable postseason journey.

The Core of the Championship Team

The 2017 Astros weren't just a collection of talented individuals; they were a cohesive unit, carefully assembled by General Manager Jeff Luhnow. The team blended veteran experience with youthful exuberance, creating a dynamic that proved incredibly difficult for opposing teams to handle. Key players included:

  • Jose Altuve: The heart and soul of the Astros, Altuve was a hitting machine and a dynamic presence in the infield. His performance in the 2017 playoffs was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the American League MVP award.
  • Carlos Correa: A young, charismatic shortstop with immense talent, Correa was a cornerstone of the Astros' offense and defense. His clutch hitting and steady presence were crucial to the team's success.
  • George Springer: Springer's power and athleticism were on full display throughout the 2017 season, culminating in a World Series MVP award. His leadoff role and ability to hit home runs changed the momentum of numerous games.
  • Dallas Keuchel: The ace of the pitching staff, Keuchel was a dominant force on the mound. His ability to induce ground balls and control the strike zone made him a nightmare for opposing hitters.
  • Justin Verlander: Acquired in a late-season trade, Verlander brought veteran leadership and a proven track record of success to the Astros' pitching rotation. His impact was immediate and profound.

These players, along with a host of other talented individuals, formed the core of the 2017 Astros team. Their contributions, both on and off the field, were essential to the team's championship run.

The Complete 2017 Playoff Roster

To fully appreciate the 2017 Houston Astros playoff roster, it's essential to list all the players who contributed to the team's success. This roster represents the culmination of years of scouting, player development, and strategic acquisitions. Here's a breakdown of the players who were part of that historic run:

Pitchers:

  • Ken Giles: The closer for much of the season, Giles had a high velocity fastball and a nasty slider. While he had some struggles in the playoffs, he was still a key part of the bullpen.
  • Chris Devenski: A valuable relief pitcher, Devenski was known for his quirky delivery and ability to get strikeouts in crucial situations.
  • Brad Peacock: Peacock provided valuable innings as both a starter and a reliever, showcasing his versatility and dependability.
  • Collin McHugh: McHugh was a reliable starter who contributed quality innings throughout the season and provided depth in the playoffs.
  • Lance McCullers Jr.: A young, talented pitcher with a devastating curveball, McCullers played a significant role, including a memorable performance in Game 7 of the ALCS.
  • Dallas Keuchel: As mentioned earlier, Keuchel was the ace of the staff.
  • Justin Verlander: The veteran addition who solidified the rotation.
  • Charlie Morton: Morton delivered one of the most iconic pitching performances in Astros history, closing out Game 7 of the World Series.
  • Francisco Liriano: A mid-season acquisition, Liriano brought veteran experience to the bullpen.

Catchers:

  • Brian McCann: A veteran catcher with a reputation for game-calling and leadership, McCann was a valuable presence behind the plate.
  • Evan Gattis: Known for his power hitting, Gattis provided offensive firepower and served as a backup catcher.

Infielders:

  • Jose Altuve: The AL MVP and offensive sparkplug.
  • Carlos Correa: The young, talented shortstop.
  • Alex Bregman: A rising star with a knack for clutch hitting and solid defense at third base.
  • Yuli Gurriel: A veteran infielder with a smooth swing and reliable defense at first base.
  • Marwin Gonzalez: A super-utility player who could play multiple positions and provide valuable contributions both offensively and defensively.

Outfielders:

  • George Springer: The World Series MVP and leadoff hitter.
  • Josh Reddick: A veteran outfielder with a strong defensive presence and a knack for getting on base.
  • Carlos Beltrán: A veteran leader and designated hitter who provided valuable experience and offensive contributions.
  • Cameron Maybin: Acquired late in the season, Maybin added speed and depth to the outfield.

This comprehensive list showcases the depth and talent that characterized the 2017 Astros. Each player played a role, however big or small, in the team's journey to the World Series title.

Key Moments and Contributions

The 2017 Astros' playoff run was filled with unforgettable moments and crucial contributions from various players. Here are a few examples:

  • Jose Altuve's three-homer game against the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS: This performance cemented Altuve's status as a superstar and set the tone for the Astros' postseason dominance.
  • Lance McCullers Jr.'s curveball to end Game 7 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees: This iconic moment sent the Astros to the World Series and showcased McCullers' composure under pressure.
  • George Springer's World Series MVP performance: Springer overcame a slow start to deliver a series of clutch hits, including five home runs, earning him the MVP award.
  • Charlie Morton's Game 7 performance in the World Series: Morton pitched four scoreless innings to close out the game, securing the Astros' first-ever World Series title.
  • Justin Verlander's dominant starts throughout the playoffs: Verlander provided a calming presence and consistently delivered quality starts, solidifying the Astros' pitching rotation.

These moments, along with countless other contributions, highlight the collective effort that propelled the Astros to victory. Every player on the roster played a part in the team's success, whether it was through clutch hits, dominant pitching, or solid defense.

The Controversy and Its Impact

While the 2017 Houston Astros' World Series title is a source of pride for many fans, it's impossible to ignore the controversy that has since emerged. Allegations of sign-stealing during the 2017 season have cast a shadow over the team's accomplishments and sparked heated debate throughout the baseball world.

The investigation into the Astros' sign-stealing practices revealed that the team used a video camera to steal signs from opposing catchers and relay them to hitters in real-time. This gave the Astros an unfair advantage and raised questions about the legitimacy of their World Series title.

The controversy has had a significant impact on the Astros organization, leading to the firing of the manager and general manager. It has also damaged the reputations of several players and tarnished the legacy of the 2017 team.

Despite the controversy, the 2017 Astros remain a significant part of baseball history. Their World Series title represents a high point for the franchise and a moment of great joy for the city of Houston. However, the sign-stealing scandal will forever be associated with this team, raising questions about the integrity of the game and the pursuit of victory at all costs.

Legacy of the 2017 Astros

The legacy of the 2017 Houston Astros is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, they are remembered as a team that overcame adversity and brought a World Series title to a city that desperately needed it in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. On the other hand, they are also associated with scandal and controversy, raising questions about the ethics of competition and the pursuit of victory.

Regardless of one's opinion on the sign-stealing scandal, it's undeniable that the 2017 Astros were a talented and exciting team to watch. They featured a blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, and their offensive firepower was unmatched. Players like Altuve, Correa, and Springer became household names, and their performances captivated fans around the world.

The 2017 Astros also inspired a new generation of baseball fans in Houston. Their success helped to revitalize the sport in the city and created a sense of community and pride. The team's impact extended beyond the baseball field, as they became symbols of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the 2017 Houston Astros playoff roster represents a pivotal moment in baseball history. While the team's accomplishments are forever linked to the sign-stealing scandal, their talent, excitement, and impact on the city of Houston cannot be denied. The legacy of the 2017 Astros will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come, but their place in baseball history is secure.