3 Advantages Yankees Have on Astros Heading Into ALCS

After sweeping the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, the New York Yankees have found out who their opponents are going to be, and that's the AL West Champion Houston Astros.

While many will point to Houston's one-two punch of Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole as a key catalyst in the Astros winning, the Yankees hold their own advantages.

Here are three that stick out.

3. Depth

Divisional Series - New York Yankees v Minnesota Twins - Game Three / Elsa/Getty Images

The New York Yankees own the deepest bench in Major League Baseball. The Yankees endured the baseball plague throughout the season, but their major and minor league depth played a pivotal role in New York winning. The Yankees have the luxury of going to Cameron Maybin or Luke Voit in pinch-hitting situations. Oh, and the Yankees could get center fielder Aaron Hicks back from injury. That's a significant advantage over Houston.

2. Bullpen

Divisional Series - New York Yankees v Minnesota Twins - Game Three / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The Astros have had their fair share of struggles when it comes to the bullpen. As for the Yankees, they have so many dominant options to choose from--Aroldis Chapman, Adam Ottavino, Zach Britton, just to name a few. Not to mention, both Chapman and Ottavino each hold a 0.00 ERA in the postseason. If everything clicks for the Yankees bullpen, the Astros could be in trouble.

1. Power

Divisional Series - Minnesota Twins v New York Yankees - Game Two / Al Bello/Getty Images

Of course, you can't name Yankee advantages without power. New York engaged in a season-long duel with the Minnesota Twins for the home run record, which they finished second with 306. In fact, seven Yankee players have hit over 20 home runs this season. Those players are Gleyber Torres, Aaron Judge, DJ LeMahieu, Brett Gardner, Gary Sanchez, Gio Urshela and Luke Voit. While their starting rotation is far from perfect, the Yankees can keep themselves in the game with their power.