The Giants and Mets scheduled a double header for today to make up for Sunday’s postponement. Dillon Gee was scheduled to pitch against Tim Lincecum yesterday, but it appears Dillon will pitch in the night-cap against Madison Bumgarner while Miguel Batista takes the early game. I find this interesting, as it appears that Terry Collins wants his better pitcher against the Giants better pitcher. Do the Mets believe Tim’s struggles are real, so they’re willing to put a 41-year-old starter with a career 4.48 ERA against one of the best young pitchers of this era? I can’t wait to see how this one comes out.
Derek Holland is one reason the Rangers hold the best starting rotation in the American League. Photo: © Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE
The Rangers appear to have replaced the Yankees as the dominant powerhouse in the American League. Texas won the last two AL Pennants and own the best record in baseball as CC Sabathia brings New York to town to face Derek Holland. CC’s numbers look better than his ERA, and FIP agrees with that assessment. The opposition is hitting .260 against him overall, but .353 with men in scoring position. Overall, CC suffered some bad luck so far, so worries about him should be kept to a minimum. Holland has similar three-true outcome numbers and owns a 3.10 ERA.
The Cubs welcome the rival Cardinals for three games as Jaime Garca takes on Matt Garza in a battle of the top and bottom teams in the NL Central. Garcia holds a 3.06 ERA despite allowing a .338 BA in three starts. Opponents are hitting .500 with the bases empty, but .211 with men on base. Garcia induced six double plays, which effectively reduces his OBP allowed. In his two starts at Wrigley this season, Garza allowed just eight hits and two runs in 14 2/3 innings.
Finally, veterans on a mission Jake Peavy and Bartolo Colon headline the White Sox/Oakland game. So far, Peavy looks like his 2008 self with better control. He walked two and struck out 21 in 19 2/3 innings so far. Colon only walked two in 27 1/3 innings this year. His walk and K rates are in line with his 2011 season, but he’s keeping the ball in the park so far in 2012.
Enjoy!
