Houston-Kansas City series breakdown

Offense

The Astros aren’t a team that’s going to small ball you to death and for good reason. Houston has 11 players who reached double figures in home runs on a team that swatted 230. The series will offer the country a better look at shortstop Carlos Correa, the top rookie in baseball who batted .279. The Royals hit 90 fewer home runs than the Astros in the regular season but scored just five fewer runs. The Royals aren’t flashy, but seven players drove in at least 70 runs with designated hitter Kendrys Morales leading the way with 106. Advantage: Royals

Pitching

Houston used ace Dallas Keuchel to beat New York in the wild-card game, so it will have him for only one game in the series. Collin McHugh won 19 games and rookie Lance McCullers showed flashes. The bullpen wobbled a little late but two set-up men — Will Harris, Tony Sipp — have ERAs under 2.00, and Luke Gregerson has been a reliable closer. Kansas City starters Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08 ERA) and Johnny Cueto (4-7, 4.76 ERA with KC) go in the first two games. The bullpen isn’t as dominant as it was overall during last year’s World Series run, but it’s hard to argue with the season that Wade Davis is having (17 saves, 0.94 ERA in 69 appearances). Advantage: Royals

Intangibles

The Astros ended a run of six consecutive losing seasons, including three with 100 or more losses. Houston does have the advantage of having the playoff jitters out of its system after beating the Yankees. Kansas City is well-rested, having three days to get things in order since the season ended. The Royals have the best record in the American League. They are also motivated by last year when they fell one game shy of a World Series title. Advantage: Royals

Prediction: Royals in four. Give us the team with the home field and the one that’s been there before. Losing this series would take nothing away from Houston’s breakout season.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Houston-Kansas City series breakdown."