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Haters' Guide to Rooting Against the Houston Astros in the ALCS

By Ryan Flores

Divisional Series - Tampa Bay Rays v Houston Astros - Game Five
Divisional Series - Tampa Bay Rays v Houston Astros - Game Five / Tim Warner/Getty Images

To no one's surprise, the Houston Astros have now advanced to the ALCS in three straight seasons. One of those seasons culminated in a World Series victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Before the trade deadline, the Astros looked as though they had enough pieces to make noise in the postseason. But no, they just had to go out and trade for Zack Greinke, one of the best pitchers in baseball to build a super-rotation including Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole.

After a hard-fought series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the 'Stros now have to face a well-rested New York Yankees team that has less wear and tear on their top arms thanks to an easy series against the AL Central's Minnesota Twins.

Yankees fans have been waiting for this moment for two long years. Ever since the Astros took down the Bronx Bombers 4-0 in a do-or-die Game 7, the Yankees have longed for revenge. Now, the seemingly inevitable matchup has finally come.

Both teams are much different now than they were two years ago. Somehow the Astros have built a stronger offense and a better rotation. Meanwhile, the Yankees roster has endured so many trials and tribulations that it's molded them into a much tougher team than ever before.

Yes, I know that many fans would strongly prefer not to root for the Yankees, especially Mets fans. I get it. However, there's a lot to like about this squad from the South Bronx. As an impartial fan, it's quite refreshing to see such a great group of guys fighting hard for each other nightly, even in the dog days of the season.

With the Nationals knocking out the Dodgers in the NLDS, there will officially be a new National League team in the World Series for the first time in two years. If you're on the fence, just think about it. Why wouldn't you want a completely fresh World Series with teams we haven't seen take the ultimate stage in quite some time?

The Astros have enjoyed enough success in the past few years. It's about time that we get to see guys like Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres hit dingers in the World Series.