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Re: 7-27-09
Craig Davis
Monday's Lineup
20 Dime ---- RANGERS (With Hunter as listed pitcher)
10 Dime ---- REDS (With Geer and Bailey as listed pitchers)
RANGERS --- I'm not here to over-analyze this game because I think it's quite simple. Texas is way overdue for a win against Detroit, the starting pitching matchup favors the Rangers, and I just don't trust the Tigers on the road. Those three factors (combined with Detroit's inept bullpen) makes me realize the Texas Rangers are clearly the right play here today.
Texas starter Tommy Hunter hasn't been used as much as he should be, but when given the chance to perform he has done nothing but shine. In five starts this year, Hunter hasn't allowed more than 3 earned runs in any game, stifling teams like Boston, Tampa Bay and Seattle along the way. His last three starts have been stellar, allowing just two earned runs in 17 1/3 innings of work, beating the Red Sox and Rays in the process. It doesn't seem to matter if he's pitching at home or on the road, Hunter has given the Rangers a ton of quality innings and could be a permanent fixture in the Rangers rotation with a solid performance today.
For Detroit, they limp into another road game, having dropped five straight games on the road (and 9 of their last 12). Armando Galarraga toes the rubber for the Kitties this evening, having pitched much better at home than on the road. The problem is, he's pitching at the Ballpark In Arlington, which is already known as a hitter's haven to begin with. Galarraga's ERA on the road is 5.24, his WHIP is 1.68 and his K to BB ratio is barely over 1:1 (26 walks in 44 innings).
I realize the Tigers have owned the Rangers this year (winning all six games), but those games were ALL played in Detroit where the Tigers dominate. On the road (in Texas where the Rangers dominate) it will be a different story. Texas takes care of business from the opening minutes and cruises to an easy win.
REDS --- Very simple bonus play in my opinion. The Padres are absolutely HORRIBLE on the road (14-35); they don't score many runs, their pitchers allow too many runs, and they just don't play a lick of defense anymore. It's as if they realize they have no shot at the playoffs, so they've already packed it in for the season. I guess no one really cares if they have a job next season or not. The Reds, on the other hand, are still fighting for their playoff lives. If they were in any other division, there would be literally no chance for them to make the post-season... but in the dismal NL Central, any one of five teams still has a legitimate shot. The Reds know this and will continue to work to get over .500 while challenging for the division crown.
Home Bailey faces Josh Geer in a battle of pitchers who just haven't figured it out yet. I realize Bailey is a tough pitcher to back, but Geer is equally as bad... especially on the road. He's won just one game all season (1-6) and has an ERA of 9.00 vs. the Reds in his one appearance against them. On the road, Geer's ERA is a paltry 7.15 and he has yet to win a single game away from San Diego. With the Reds scoring nearly two runs more per game at home than on the road, it doesn't bode well for Geer this evening. The Padres are 0-9 in Geer's last 9 road starts as the underdog and 2-10 in their last 12 when their opponent scored two runs (or less) in their previous game. Cincy bats are just itching to explode, and they'll definitely get the chance to do so against the young righty tonight. Bonus play of the day on Cincinnati over San Diego.
Craig Davis
Monday's Lineup
20 Dime ---- RANGERS (With Hunter as listed pitcher)
10 Dime ---- REDS (With Geer and Bailey as listed pitchers)
RANGERS --- I'm not here to over-analyze this game because I think it's quite simple. Texas is way overdue for a win against Detroit, the starting pitching matchup favors the Rangers, and I just don't trust the Tigers on the road. Those three factors (combined with Detroit's inept bullpen) makes me realize the Texas Rangers are clearly the right play here today.
Texas starter Tommy Hunter hasn't been used as much as he should be, but when given the chance to perform he has done nothing but shine. In five starts this year, Hunter hasn't allowed more than 3 earned runs in any game, stifling teams like Boston, Tampa Bay and Seattle along the way. His last three starts have been stellar, allowing just two earned runs in 17 1/3 innings of work, beating the Red Sox and Rays in the process. It doesn't seem to matter if he's pitching at home or on the road, Hunter has given the Rangers a ton of quality innings and could be a permanent fixture in the Rangers rotation with a solid performance today.
For Detroit, they limp into another road game, having dropped five straight games on the road (and 9 of their last 12). Armando Galarraga toes the rubber for the Kitties this evening, having pitched much better at home than on the road. The problem is, he's pitching at the Ballpark In Arlington, which is already known as a hitter's haven to begin with. Galarraga's ERA on the road is 5.24, his WHIP is 1.68 and his K to BB ratio is barely over 1:1 (26 walks in 44 innings).
I realize the Tigers have owned the Rangers this year (winning all six games), but those games were ALL played in Detroit where the Tigers dominate. On the road (in Texas where the Rangers dominate) it will be a different story. Texas takes care of business from the opening minutes and cruises to an easy win.
REDS --- Very simple bonus play in my opinion. The Padres are absolutely HORRIBLE on the road (14-35); they don't score many runs, their pitchers allow too many runs, and they just don't play a lick of defense anymore. It's as if they realize they have no shot at the playoffs, so they've already packed it in for the season. I guess no one really cares if they have a job next season or not. The Reds, on the other hand, are still fighting for their playoff lives. If they were in any other division, there would be literally no chance for them to make the post-season... but in the dismal NL Central, any one of five teams still has a legitimate shot. The Reds know this and will continue to work to get over .500 while challenging for the division crown.
Home Bailey faces Josh Geer in a battle of pitchers who just haven't figured it out yet. I realize Bailey is a tough pitcher to back, but Geer is equally as bad... especially on the road. He's won just one game all season (1-6) and has an ERA of 9.00 vs. the Reds in his one appearance against them. On the road, Geer's ERA is a paltry 7.15 and he has yet to win a single game away from San Diego. With the Reds scoring nearly two runs more per game at home than on the road, it doesn't bode well for Geer this evening. The Padres are 0-9 in Geer's last 9 road starts as the underdog and 2-10 in their last 12 when their opponent scored two runs (or less) in their previous game. Cincy bats are just itching to explode, and they'll definitely get the chance to do so against the young righty tonight. Bonus play of the day on Cincinnati over San Diego.
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