The Rangers game was way too close, and I have to admit I didn't think it'd be anywhere near that close. But with so many advantages in Texas' favor, they could still play a crappy game and win by 2. A win is a win. Monday: 3-1, + 4 units
I like Cleveland almost as much on Tuesday. The one issue I have is that a few of the Royals are hitting very well in the past week or two. However, the Royals have seen some very lousy pitching during that time. They also have been shut down at other times.
Justin Masterson is returning to last year's form. Indians really need it with Lowe and Ubaldo flaming out. If those guys were even pitching so-so, the Indians would be on a major streak. Masterson has five strong starts out of his last 6. His only blemish is a first inning 4 run outburst by a red hot Boston team in Fenway. His ERA has dropped 2 full points and this against good competition.
The Indians have also been hitting well as of late, including timely hitting. They also lead the AL in walks, while KC is dead last. This shows patience at the plate and when that happens vs. a bum like Will Smith (KC starter Tuesday), they get juicy pitches eventually that will get hit hard. Smith was awful in AAA, batters hitting .305 against him, with 65 hits in 51 innings. His only MLB start was also a disaster, 3 HRs in 3.1 innings. Indians have a BP advantage too, though KC's is decent.
Indians at home, vs. a bad AAA pitcher while they're hot, their best starter on the mound, looks very good.
2 units on Cleveland,-1.
2 units on first 5 innings -1/2. Look for TT tomorrow- if it's 5 or less, I might be on that too.
I like Cleveland almost as much on Tuesday. The one issue I have is that a few of the Royals are hitting very well in the past week or two. However, the Royals have seen some very lousy pitching during that time. They also have been shut down at other times.
Justin Masterson is returning to last year's form. Indians really need it with Lowe and Ubaldo flaming out. If those guys were even pitching so-so, the Indians would be on a major streak. Masterson has five strong starts out of his last 6. His only blemish is a first inning 4 run outburst by a red hot Boston team in Fenway. His ERA has dropped 2 full points and this against good competition.
The Indians have also been hitting well as of late, including timely hitting. They also lead the AL in walks, while KC is dead last. This shows patience at the plate and when that happens vs. a bum like Will Smith (KC starter Tuesday), they get juicy pitches eventually that will get hit hard. Smith was awful in AAA, batters hitting .305 against him, with 65 hits in 51 innings. His only MLB start was also a disaster, 3 HRs in 3.1 innings. Indians have a BP advantage too, though KC's is decent.
Indians at home, vs. a bad AAA pitcher while they're hot, their best starter on the mound, looks very good.
2 units on Cleveland,-1.
2 units on first 5 innings -1/2. Look for TT tomorrow- if it's 5 or less, I might be on that too.
