KANSAS CITY -- One of the narratives of the American League Division Series between the Royals and the Astros is how similar the two teams are. They're both athletic and have good bullpens, so what has to give for the Astros to advance to the American League Championship Series? Here's a look a three key things the Astros need to advance:
1. Push the tempo: The Astros are an aggressive team on the bases that too often runs into outs, but with their combination of speed and power, they can create havoc if they can get the guys at the top of their order -- specifically Jose Altuve and George Springer -- on base and unleash them.