Posted Record (4-0-1) +5.12 units
I've been surprised and impressed with the start from the Cleveland Guardians. They've been playing great ball and lead the majors in Run Differential by a staggering +28. Their pitching staff is giving up just 2.5 runs per game while the offense is averaging 6.5 runs. And this is all coming on the road. The players are obviously doing the work, but I gotta give Stephen Vogt a lot of credit here. I'm a big believer in positive and negative energy and the effect it can have on a team. Vogt is full of great energy and you can see it spreading throughout the clubhouse.
The Guardians continue their road trip to Minnesota this afternoon to take on the Twins for Minnesota's home opener. Twins ace, Pablo Lopez will be on the bump. Most people look at this game an instantly think "W" for Minny. I have a different take. I like Pablo and he'll likely be an all star again this year. However, he doesn't have great numbers against this Guardian's team. Last year they faced him 3 times and hit .316 as a team. Jose Ramirez (.300 avg), Bo Naylor (.500 avg), Josh Naylor (.667 avg), Will Brennan (.375 avg), and Steven Kwan (.455 avg) all hit him hard last year. They're all in today's lineup.
On the other side, Cleveland sends Tanner Bibee to the mound. If you don't know who Bibee is, you will soon. He's a great young pitcher who pitched to 10-4 record, 3.08 ERA, and 1.22 WHIP in his rookie season last year. He's projected to be even better this season. He might get lost in Bieber's shadow, but don't sleep on this guy. The twins faced him 3 times last season and hit .246 against him. Although, most of the damage came from players no longer on the club. Some of their best hitters; Julien (0.00 avg) Correa (.125 avg), Kepler (.250 avg) all struggled to see Bibee well. Kirilloff was 1-2 and Buxton 0-1, so not enough meaningful data for the twins others sluggers.
My only concern here is that the Guardians are coming from the West Coast yesterday. However, the bullpen is well rested and the bats are hot. The Twins are also returning from a road trip and I typically like to fade home teams the day after they get back. In addition, their bats are cold. They did go 3-2 on their road trip, but they only scored 18 runs. Their pitching kept them in it by only giving up 19. They're looking at a -1 run differential, far from impressive. They'll be up for their home opener. Unfortunately, I think the Guardians are going to spoil it and keep their hot streak going.
Cleveland +136 for one unit
Cheers and BOL to all
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