July 25, 2008
Games of the Day
The Yankees post All-Star break schedule turned out to be perfect for the Bronx Bombers. They've faced the three teams in front of them in the wild card race in order. They passed the Athletics with a sweep, they passed the Twins with a sweep, and now can pass the Red Sox (by percentage points) with a sweep. The series starts with a great pitching matchup as Joba Chamberlain makes his first start in Fenway, facing Josh Beckett. Joba needs to extend his number of innings pitched per game. He's averaging just over five innings per start so far. Beckett is posting a 5.68 ERA in July. His strikeouts are down since the start of June. He was averaging 10.1 K per nine through the end of May, 6.5 since. Last season, a stint on the disabled list helped keep Beckett sharp late. I wonder if he could use a two week vacation now?
The Rockies visit the Reds with Aaron Cook facing Edinson Volquez. Cook holds a slightly higher ERA on the road this season as he's walked about twice as many batters away from Coors. Volquez is undefeated at home despite allowing more power there. He's given up 17 extra-base hits at Great American Ballpark, nine on the road.
The Cardinals are three games back in the Wild card race as they take on the Mets at Shea. Albert Pujols has hit just one home run in July. If he stays at that level, it will be his worst month for home runs in terms of games played. Meanwhile, Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado hit five homers on the month and is slugging .712 for July.
Enjoy!
Find World Series odds for all these teams at Bodog Sportsbook.
Posted by David Pinto at
10:07 AM
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Joba hasn't looked so good in his starts that weren't against powerhouses like the Royals and the Padres. I predict very little fist-pumping tonight and will be surprised if he makes it through 5 against a patient Sox lineup.
Dave, are you reading the comments I post at waswatching.com??