ASTROS FLASHBACK, May 2017: "Spoiler Alert: Astros To Fast-Track Class A Cuban 1B, Yordan Alvarez, 19"

5 1/2 years ago, Houston was quietly positioning the skinny, young, promising slugger to fast-track through the minor league system. GM Jeff Luhnow was whispering a 2019 debut. I dared to suggest 2018

Moments after the ball cleared the fence to give the ‘Stros an 8-7 walk-off in Game 1 of the ‘22 ALDS, Christian Vázquez and Framber Valdez douse Yordan Alvarez, while Jake Meyers celebrates the win while scoring.📸Kevin M. Cox/AP

Portions of this article previously appeared on The Runner Sports all-sports website in August 2016 and May 2017.

With the As…