CHICAGO – Pitching figures to determine the outcome of the Astros-White Sox World Series. However, there are other areas to dissect that will factor into which tortured franchise wins.

Here, with input from a Major League scout who followed both teams, is a closer look at the ‘Stros and Sox.

CATCHER

A.J. Pierzynski is among the top 10 most disliked players by other players in the game. But he has delivered big playoff hits and is solid behind the plate. Brad Ausmus is the better defender, very good at calling a game and not an automatic out.

EDGE: ASTROS

FIRST BASE

Paul Konerko is the White Sox’ best run producer. If he doesn’t hit, the Chisox are dead. Astros counter with the combination of Lance Berkman and Mike Lamb, with Berkman sometimes playing left field.

EDGE: White Sox

SECOND BASE

Houston’s Craig Biggio and pal Jeff Bagwell are the Feel Good Stories of the Series. While Biggio is hitting .326 in the postseason, his defensive skills have declined and he is replaced in the late innings. Tadahito Iguchi is a solid defender, but is hitting .207 in the playoffs.

EDGE: EVEN

SHORTSTOP

Chicago’s Juan Uribe and Houston’s Adam Everett don’t have the high profiles of other shortstops, but they have been productive at the plate in the postseason. Everett is steadier in the field.

EDGE: ASTROS

THIRD BASE

Joe Crede brings more to the White Sox than solid defense and a productive bat, but Morgan Ensberg is a better run producer and a gamer.

EDGE: ASTROS

LEFT FIELD

Berkman in left every game gives the Astros their best outfield, but he could play first base when lefty Mark Buehrle starts Game 2 for the Sox. Still, Berkman’s bat gives him the edge on Scott Podsednik, who is a below average outfielder.

EDGE: ASTROS

CENTER FIELD

Chisox’ Aaron Rowand gets by on toughness. He isn’t an above average runner, but is an above average center fielder. Willy Taveras’ game is built around speed and he is hitting .357 in the playoffs. Chris Burke could play center, left or DH.

EDGE: EVEN

RIGHT FIELD

The difference between the Sox’ Jermaine Dye and Houston’s Jason Lane isn’t much. Both can be dangerous hitters who feast on mistakes. Dye’s arm is stronger.

EDGE: EVEN

DESIGNATED HITTER

Switch-hitter Carl Everett against Astros’ Jeff Bagwell would be a wonderful debate if Bagwell hadn’t been limited to 39 regular-season games and three postseason at-bats because of a shoulder problem. If the arm bothers Bagwell, Astros could DH Mike Lamb.

EDGE: White Sox

STARTING ROTATION

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte have been here so many times the pressure won’t bother them. Roy Oswalt is the best starter on either staff. White Sox have been outstanding in the playoffs (Contreras-Buehrle-Garland-Garcia), but don’t measure up to Astros.

EDGE: ASTROS

BULLPEN

Everything depends on how deep the starters can go. The middle relief edge goes to the White Sox, but the late-game belongs to the Astros with Brad Lidge.

EDGE: ASTROS

BENCH

Since they play in the NL, the Astros’ bench has more experience in more situations. They know what it takes.

EDGE: ASTROS

MANAGER

Ozzie Guillen dances to his own music, but it works and he gets the edge over Phil Garner.

EDGE: White Sox