Posted Record: 3-2 (+.88 units)
Saturday was great with a 2-0 day. But, the Twins and Ober were a disaster yesterday. I guess the silver lining is it was over quickly. Personally, I prefer to get knocked out early than lose in the 9th off a walk-off. Let's see if we can regain our footing.
I like the Giants to continue their successful road trip with another win today. Here's why:
1) Last season, in Jordan Hick's first 15 starts, he recorded a 2.82 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 2.70 FIP. He was on pace for an all star bid, before being moved to the bullpen for a short period of time. The pen didn't go well, and he was reinstated as a starter. He never regained his form, finishing the season with a 4.10 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.
You see, to become a starter, he reduced his velocity from over 100 mph to 95. This allowed him to get deeper into games and put significantly more movement on his pitch mix, in particular his best pitch, the sinker. When he was asked to move back to a relief role, his mechanics were completely thrown off as he attempted to increase velocity. The Giants realized this and reinstated him as a starter. Although, from that point on he wasn't the same pitcher, proving just how important maintaining consistent mechanics is. At 28 years old, he's in his prime. With his control back and his elite ground ball rate at 60%, I believe he has the ability to have a similar start this season.
2) At first glance, Ronel Blanco's stats from last season are impressive: 13-6, 2.80 ERA, 1.09 WHIP. However, his advanced metrics tell a different story. First off, his FIP was 4.14 indicating he was very lucky on balls in play. His walk rate was 10%, which was the highest among qualified starting pitchers. His control was a major focus this offseason, and it's lead to him leaving balls out over the plate. His Spring numbers indicate he hasn't resolved the issue, posting a 1-2 record with an 8.44 ERA, 2.25 WHIP, while opponents hit .388 off him. I'm thinking this might bleed into the start of the season.
3) The Astros are 2-1. However, that's no thanks to their offense, which has put up just 6 runs in 3 games. They're currently the 27th ranked offense, producing a paltry 176 AVG, 290 OBP, 224 SLG, 514 OPS.
4) The Giants aren't tearing the cover off the ball. However, they're ranked 16th in offense and have scored 14 runs in 3 games. They're batting 214 AVG, 250 OBP, 408 SLG, 658 OPS.
Given the above, I like the Giants chances of taking game 1. I'm on San Francisco at +113
Good luck on your plays today. Cheers 
Man, that's a tough one LV. Obviously, I think Hicks will do his part. I'm hoping Blanco won't do his
. I could see it one time through the lineup, but I expect SF to get to Blanco 2nd time through. I don't want to sway you, but I think you'll be sweating hard in the 4th and 5th innings 
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