Posted:
#1
I would imagine a significant majority will like the Tigers here, although I'm not sure if it's more Verlander pitching or Miggy & Co. hitting.
If the former, I can't see it. Verlander just hasn't been very good, and he's given us nothing to think he'll change course today or anytime soon. In fact, he could get worse. Here's why: Look at his K/9: It's 6.4 on the year and 5.7 over the past month. Then check his velocity. Sure enough, it's dropped (see fangraphs), forcing him to paint corners or to rely more on secondary pitches. He's not doing a good job at either. He hasn't been unlucky; he's fully earned that high ERA.
But is Cleveland's Trevor Bauer any better this year? Not by much; but in Bauer we have a pitcher who is on the upswing, except in the Walks category. He has been otherwise a bit unlucky, particularly in hit rate against.
Cleveland's bats aren't as hot as they were last week, but they can do damage to a Verlander sporting mediocre skills. The Tiger bats can hurt pretty much pitcher not named Sale.
This game is pretty much a toss-up, but I do like the Indians in this spot.
If the former, I can't see it. Verlander just hasn't been very good, and he's given us nothing to think he'll change course today or anytime soon. In fact, he could get worse. Here's why: Look at his K/9: It's 6.4 on the year and 5.7 over the past month. Then check his velocity. Sure enough, it's dropped (see fangraphs), forcing him to paint corners or to rely more on secondary pitches. He's not doing a good job at either. He hasn't been unlucky; he's fully earned that high ERA.
But is Cleveland's Trevor Bauer any better this year? Not by much; but in Bauer we have a pitcher who is on the upswing, except in the Walks category. He has been otherwise a bit unlucky, particularly in hit rate against.
Cleveland's bats aren't as hot as they were last week, but they can do damage to a Verlander sporting mediocre skills. The Tiger bats can hurt pretty much pitcher not named Sale.
This game is pretty much a toss-up, but I do like the Indians in this spot.
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