This week's greatest advantage in games played goes to the six American League teams -- Red Sox, Tigers, Royals, Athletics, Rangers and Blue Jays -- scheduled for seven games. That's 40 per cent more than the Rays, who would play just five games. Their disadvantage means that it's not a good week for you to have Tampa Bay batters and relief pitchers in your lineup.
The National League also has six teams -- Cubs, Brewers, Phillies, Pirates, Padres and Giants -- scheduled for seven games, giving them a slight advantage over the 10 teams that would play six times.
Two teams in each league are scheduled to play seven games at home. Kansas City would host seven games (Red Sox four, Twins three) in a relatively good hitters' park. The others -- Toronto (Orioles three, Mariners four); Milwaukee (Cubs three, Phillies four), and Pittsburgh (Padres one, Reds and Dodgers three each) have home parks slightly favoring pitchers.
The best hitters' parks in use for six games this week are at Arizona (Giants and Padres), Colorado (Padres and Cardinals) and the south side of Chicago (Twins and Tigers). Parks at Washington (Dodgers and Phillies) and Cleveland (Tigers and Orioles) slightly favor hitters.
Other National League parks that would slightly favor pitchers for six games are at Florida (Phillies and Mets) and Houston (Cardinals and Reds). The Angels have a neutral park that would host the Yankees and Athletics for three games each.
Overall, those parks would indicate a slight advantage for hitters in the AL and for pitchers in the NL. However, because batters will be going against so many Triple-A and tired major league pitchers, I'd say hitters should have the edge this week in the majors.
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home this week are RHPs Zack Greinke, Dirk Hayhurst, Josh Johnson, Yorman Bazardo, Bud Norris, Braden Looper, David Bush, Daniel McCutchen and Livan Hernandez, and LHPs John Danks, Lenny DiNardo, Joe Saunders, David Purcey, Doug Davis and Jorge De La Rosa. Because there also will be a number of Triple-A batters in lineups this week, the best major league pitchers should dominate more than usual. My highest recommendations are Greinke, Johnson, Danks, Saunders and De La Rosa. For a live longshot, try Looper. If you really need some good innings and have to gamble on a pitcher, try Hernandez. If he did well, you could gloat over your intelligence or prescience, but whatever you do, don't hold me responsible. Take all the credit if he comes through and blame somebody else if he bombs, which is a 2:1 or more proposition.
Overall, it should be a good week for pitchers. The only teams scheduled to play seven games at home are the Dodgers (against the Cardinals for three games, Cubs four), Mets (Giants one, Braves and Phillies three each) and Padres (Cubs three, Cardinals four). San Diego is one of the majors' most extreme pitchers' parks, and Dodger Stadium and Citi Field favor pitchers but to a lesser degree. There would be six games at Houston (Marlins and Diamondbacks) and Pittsburgh (Brewers and Reds) which also tend to be pitchers' parks. Note that it should be a bad week for Cubs batters in hostile pitchers' parks. Even in the American League, scheduled to play all six at games are the Athletics (Yankees and Tigers), Rays (Orioles and Rangers) and Blue Jays (Red Sox and Angels). Oakland has an extreme pitchers' park; Tampa Bay and Toronto are slightly less pitcher-friendly.
The best hitters' parks that would be in play for all six games would belong to the White Sox (Royals and Orioles in this week's most extreme hitting conditions), Indians (Angels and Mariners) and Nationals (Rockies and Brewers).
The best hitters' parks in use for all six games would be at Baltimore (Athletics and Angels) and Arizona (Mets and Dodgers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Fausto Carmona, Vin Mazzaro, Tommy Hanson, Bud Norris, Charlie Haeger, Chad Billingsley, Livan Hernandez, Kevin Hart, Kevin Correia, Cesar Carrillo and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Mark Buehrle, David Price, Ricky Romero and Oliver Perez. My highest recommendations are Hanseon Romero, with other young live longsots in Hart, Carrillo and Price.
Showing posts with label Schedule Notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schedule Notes. Show all posts
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Schedule Notes: Pitchers have the edge
This week's greatest advantage in games played would go to the four American League teams that are scheduled for seven games while the other 10 teams would play just 10. However, of those four teams with an extra game, only the Rengers have a majority (four) of their games at home. The Orioles would be the host for only one game, and the Angels and Twins would be on the road all week.
In the National League, half of the teams -- Diamondbacks, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Cardinals, Padres and Giants -- would play a seventh game; the other eight teams are scheduled for six.
Overall, it should be a good week for pitchers. The only teams scheduled to play seven games at home are the Dodgers (against the Cardinals for three games, Cubs four), Mets (Giants one, Braves and Phillies three each) and Padres (Cubs three, Cardinals four). San Diego is one of the majors' most extreme pitchers' parks, and Dodger Stadium and Citi Field favor pitchers but to a lesser degree. There would be six games at Houston (Marlins and Diamondbacks) and Pittsburgh (Brewers and Reds) which also tend to be pitchers' parks. Note that it should be a bad week for Cubs batters in hostile pitchers' parks. Even in the American League, scheduled to play all six at games are the Athletics (Yankees and Tigers), Rays (Orioles and Rangers) and Blue Jays (Red Sox and Angels). Oakland has an extreme pitchers' park; Tampa Bay and Toronto are slightly less pitcher-friendly.
The best hitters' parks that would be in play for all six games would belong to the White Sox (Royals and Orioles in this week's most extreme hitting conditions), Indians (Angels and Mariners) and Nationals (Rockies and Brewers).
The best hitters' parks in use for all six games would be at Baltimore (Athletics and Angels) and Arizona (Mets and Dodgers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Fausto Carmona, Vin Mazzaro, Tommy Hanson, Bud Norris, Charlie Haeger, Chad Billingsley, Livan Hernandez, Kevin Hart, Kevin Correia, Cesar Carrillo and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Mark Buehrle, David Price, Ricky Romero and Oliver Perez. My highest recommendations are Hanseon Romero, with other young live longsots in Hart, Carrillo and Price.
In the National League, half of the teams -- Diamondbacks, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Cardinals, Padres and Giants -- would play a seventh game; the other eight teams are scheduled for six.
Overall, it should be a good week for pitchers. The only teams scheduled to play seven games at home are the Dodgers (against the Cardinals for three games, Cubs four), Mets (Giants one, Braves and Phillies three each) and Padres (Cubs three, Cardinals four). San Diego is one of the majors' most extreme pitchers' parks, and Dodger Stadium and Citi Field favor pitchers but to a lesser degree. There would be six games at Houston (Marlins and Diamondbacks) and Pittsburgh (Brewers and Reds) which also tend to be pitchers' parks. Note that it should be a bad week for Cubs batters in hostile pitchers' parks. Even in the American League, scheduled to play all six at games are the Athletics (Yankees and Tigers), Rays (Orioles and Rangers) and Blue Jays (Red Sox and Angels). Oakland has an extreme pitchers' park; Tampa Bay and Toronto are slightly less pitcher-friendly.
The best hitters' parks that would be in play for all six games would belong to the White Sox (Royals and Orioles in this week's most extreme hitting conditions), Indians (Angels and Mariners) and Nationals (Rockies and Brewers).
The best hitters' parks in use for all six games would be at Baltimore (Athletics and Angels) and Arizona (Mets and Dodgers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Fausto Carmona, Vin Mazzaro, Tommy Hanson, Bud Norris, Charlie Haeger, Chad Billingsley, Livan Hernandez, Kevin Hart, Kevin Correia, Cesar Carrillo and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Mark Buehrle, David Price, Ricky Romero and Oliver Perez. My highest recommendations are Hanseon Romero, with other young live longsots in Hart, Carrillo and Price.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Schedule Notes: Find pitching in Florida
There are big schedule advantages this week for five National League teams -- the Cubs, Reds, Rockies, Marlins and Astros. They're scheduled for seven games -- 40 per cent more than the Braves, who would play five times. The other 10 NL teams are scheduled for six games.
Florida would have the added advantage of playing all seven at home (four against the Astros, three vs. the Rockies). Coming off a road sweep of the first-place Phillies, the Marlins could have great momentum. Because they play in a park that somewhat favors pitching, their relievers and RHP Chris Volstad -- scheduled for two starts -- should have a good week and be worth playing in your fantasy lineup.
In the American League, four teams -- the Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees and Mariners -- are scheduled for seven games, with the other 10 playing six times. Seattle would be the only AL team with all seven games at home -- in an extreme pitchers' park against the White Sox for three games and Yankees for four.
Overall, it should be a good week for pitchers. Scheduled to play all six games at home are Minnesota (Royals and Indians three each) and St. Louis (Reds and Padres) in extreme pitchers' parks. Six games are scheduled in an only slightly less pitcher-friendly venue at Milwaukee (Padres and Astros), and Atlanta would have all five of its games at home. Therefore, the week should be almost as bad for San Diego batters as it would be good for Florida pitchers.
The best hitters' parks in use for all six games would be at Baltimore (Athletics and Angels) and Arizona (Mets and Dodgers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Volstad, Jeremy Guthrie, Nick Blackburn, Doug Fister, Rich Harden, Rick VandenHurk, Braden Looper and Kyle Lohse, and LHP Lucas French. My highest recommendation is Volstad, with live longsots in Blackburn and VandenHurk.
Florida would have the added advantage of playing all seven at home (four against the Astros, three vs. the Rockies). Coming off a road sweep of the first-place Phillies, the Marlins could have great momentum. Because they play in a park that somewhat favors pitching, their relievers and RHP Chris Volstad -- scheduled for two starts -- should have a good week and be worth playing in your fantasy lineup.
In the American League, four teams -- the Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees and Mariners -- are scheduled for seven games, with the other 10 playing six times. Seattle would be the only AL team with all seven games at home -- in an extreme pitchers' park against the White Sox for three games and Yankees for four.
Overall, it should be a good week for pitchers. Scheduled to play all six games at home are Minnesota (Royals and Indians three each) and St. Louis (Reds and Padres) in extreme pitchers' parks. Six games are scheduled in an only slightly less pitcher-friendly venue at Milwaukee (Padres and Astros), and Atlanta would have all five of its games at home. Therefore, the week should be almost as bad for San Diego batters as it would be good for Florida pitchers.
The best hitters' parks in use for all six games would be at Baltimore (Athletics and Angels) and Arizona (Mets and Dodgers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Volstad, Jeremy Guthrie, Nick Blackburn, Doug Fister, Rich Harden, Rick VandenHurk, Braden Looper and Kyle Lohse, and LHP Lucas French. My highest recommendation is Volstad, with live longsots in Blackburn and VandenHurk.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Schedule Notes: Halladay is the one Jay to play
There will be some significant differences in playing time for some teams this week.
One team in each league, the Blue Jays and the Cardinals, are scheduled for just five games. Five American League teams – Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Athletics and Rangers – and seven in the National League – Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Mets, Pirates, Padres and Nationals – would play seven. That’s 40 per cent more than Toronto and St. Louis, meaning that you’re at a disadvantage if you have hitters and relief pitchers from those teams in your lineup.
Making things even worse for the Cardinals is that all five of their games would be on the road. The effect shouldn’t be quite as bad for the Blue Jays hitters or team, because they’ll be at home all week – with RHP Roy Halladay on hand and scheduled to start twice.
There shouldn’t be pronounced differences in hitting or pitching levels in the two leagues. If anything, hitters should have a slight advantage in the AL and pitchers would have a bitter of an upper hand in the NL.
The only AL park that would be in use for seven games is at Detroit (Orioles four games, Twins three), where hitters have had a slight advantage. At one of the majors’ best parks, the White Sox would play all six of their games (Angels and Indians). Toronto has a pretty good pitchers’ park, but it would be in use for just five games (Yankees two, Orioles three).
In the NL, one of the majors’ best pitchers’ parks would be in use for seven games, at San Diego (Braves three, Mets four). Pitchers also usually have an advantage at Houston (Giants and Brewers three each) and Dodger Stadium, where LA would host seven games (Brewers three, Braves four). That also should mean a bad week for Brewers batters and even worse for those from the Braves. In other words, don’t expect one of streaky 1B Adam LaRoche’s big weeks.
Two NL parks that slightly favor hitters would be in use all week – for seven games at Washington (Pirates one, Marlins and Diamondbacks three each), and six at Philadelphia (Rockies and Marlins).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Halladay, Jose Contreras, Justin Verlander, Luke Hochevar, Hiroki Kuroda, Mat Latos, Tim Stauffer, Garrett Mock and J.D. Martin, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Mike Hampton, Clayton Kershaw, Jamie Moyer and Zach Duke. Our highest recommendations are Halladay, Verlander and Kershaw. Live longshots are Hochevar, Latos and Duke. They’re not highest recommendations because all three pitch for bad teams.
One team in each league, the Blue Jays and the Cardinals, are scheduled for just five games. Five American League teams – Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Athletics and Rangers – and seven in the National League – Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Mets, Pirates, Padres and Nationals – would play seven. That’s 40 per cent more than Toronto and St. Louis, meaning that you’re at a disadvantage if you have hitters and relief pitchers from those teams in your lineup.
Making things even worse for the Cardinals is that all five of their games would be on the road. The effect shouldn’t be quite as bad for the Blue Jays hitters or team, because they’ll be at home all week – with RHP Roy Halladay on hand and scheduled to start twice.
There shouldn’t be pronounced differences in hitting or pitching levels in the two leagues. If anything, hitters should have a slight advantage in the AL and pitchers would have a bitter of an upper hand in the NL.
The only AL park that would be in use for seven games is at Detroit (Orioles four games, Twins three), where hitters have had a slight advantage. At one of the majors’ best parks, the White Sox would play all six of their games (Angels and Indians). Toronto has a pretty good pitchers’ park, but it would be in use for just five games (Yankees two, Orioles three).
In the NL, one of the majors’ best pitchers’ parks would be in use for seven games, at San Diego (Braves three, Mets four). Pitchers also usually have an advantage at Houston (Giants and Brewers three each) and Dodger Stadium, where LA would host seven games (Brewers three, Braves four). That also should mean a bad week for Brewers batters and even worse for those from the Braves. In other words, don’t expect one of streaky 1B Adam LaRoche’s big weeks.
Two NL parks that slightly favor hitters would be in use all week – for seven games at Washington (Pirates one, Marlins and Diamondbacks three each), and six at Philadelphia (Rockies and Marlins).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Halladay, Jose Contreras, Justin Verlander, Luke Hochevar, Hiroki Kuroda, Mat Latos, Tim Stauffer, Garrett Mock and J.D. Martin, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Mike Hampton, Clayton Kershaw, Jamie Moyer and Zach Duke. Our highest recommendations are Halladay, Verlander and Kershaw. Live longshots are Hochevar, Latos and Duke. They’re not highest recommendations because all three pitch for bad teams.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Cardinals' pitchers should thrive
This week, there won’t be teams with a schedule advantage so much as teams with a disadvantage.
Twenty of the 30 major league teams are scheduled to play seven games, with the other 10 limited to six games. The difference is more pronounced in the National League, where just four teams – the Diamondbacks, Braves, Marlins and Pirates – would play six. In the American League, eight teams are scheduled to play every day with just the Indians, Tigers, Angels, Twins, Rays and Blue Jays playing six times.
Six teams – the Orioles and Rangers in the AL; the Reds, Mets, Cardinals and Giants in the NL – would play seven games at homes.
In the AL, that should mean a slight overall advantage for hitters over pitchers. Both stadiums in use all week favor hitters significantly. That effect is watered down some because the two teams scheduled to play all six of their games at home play in an extreme pitchers’ park at Minnesota and a park at Tampa Bay that somewhat favors pitchers.
Another of the majors’ best hitters’ parks is at Cincinnati, and San Francisco’s has been somewhat hitter friendly. But both St. Louis and Shea Stadium are considered among the majors’ best pitchers’ parks, and Florida, where the Marlins are scheduled for six games, also favors pitchers.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Jason Berken, James Shields, Tommy Hunter, Vicente Padilla, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Pelfrey, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Tim Lincecum, and LHPs Rich Hill, Glen Perkins, Oliver Perez and Barry Zito. My highest recommendations are Nolasco, Carpenter, Wainwright and Lincecum, with Shields and Zito as live longshots. The Cardinals’ pitchers also will be helped by an improved lineup following their trade for LF Matt Holliday.
Twenty of the 30 major league teams are scheduled to play seven games, with the other 10 limited to six games. The difference is more pronounced in the National League, where just four teams – the Diamondbacks, Braves, Marlins and Pirates – would play six. In the American League, eight teams are scheduled to play every day with just the Indians, Tigers, Angels, Twins, Rays and Blue Jays playing six times.
Six teams – the Orioles and Rangers in the AL; the Reds, Mets, Cardinals and Giants in the NL – would play seven games at homes.
In the AL, that should mean a slight overall advantage for hitters over pitchers. Both stadiums in use all week favor hitters significantly. That effect is watered down some because the two teams scheduled to play all six of their games at home play in an extreme pitchers’ park at Minnesota and a park at Tampa Bay that somewhat favors pitchers.
Another of the majors’ best hitters’ parks is at Cincinnati, and San Francisco’s has been somewhat hitter friendly. But both St. Louis and Shea Stadium are considered among the majors’ best pitchers’ parks, and Florida, where the Marlins are scheduled for six games, also favors pitchers.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Jason Berken, James Shields, Tommy Hunter, Vicente Padilla, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Pelfrey, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Tim Lincecum, and LHPs Rich Hill, Glen Perkins, Oliver Perez and Barry Zito. My highest recommendations are Nolasco, Carpenter, Wainwright and Lincecum, with Shields and Zito as live longshots. The Cardinals’ pitchers also will be helped by an improved lineup following their trade for LF Matt Holliday.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Schedule Notes: Load up on White Sox
Thursday’s White Sox-Tigers doubleheader in Detroit makes this a week with considerable advantages to some teams, most notably the Sox. Chicago is scheduled to play eight games. That would give its hitters and relief pitchers 33 per cent more games than those from seven other American League teams – the Orioles, Red Sox, Indians, Royals, Mariners, Rangers and Blue Jays. The six other AL teams would play seven games.
The twin bill, which includes a makeup game, also would give the Tigers seven games at home in a pretty good hitters’ park. Scheduled to play seven home games in exceptional parks for hitters are the Yankees in the AL and the Phillies in the National League. The Nationals also would have all seven of their games at home in a good pitchers’ park.
The NL is evenly split. Eight teams are scheduled to play six games, with the other eight – Phillies, Nationals, Diamondbacks, Braves, Pirates, Cardinals, Padres and Giants – playing seven.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Armando Galarraga, Rick Porcello, Sir Sidney Ponson, Sergio Mitre, Brian Moehler, Rodrigo Lopez and Joe Blanton, and LHPs Andy Pettitte, Brett Cecil, Jorge De La Rosa, Randy Wolf, Scott Olsen and John Lannan. Our highest recommendation is Wolf, with Porcello, Blanton and De La Rosa as live longshots.
The twin bill, which includes a makeup game, also would give the Tigers seven games at home in a pretty good hitters’ park. Scheduled to play seven home games in exceptional parks for hitters are the Yankees in the AL and the Phillies in the National League. The Nationals also would have all seven of their games at home in a good pitchers’ park.
The NL is evenly split. Eight teams are scheduled to play six games, with the other eight – Phillies, Nationals, Diamondbacks, Braves, Pirates, Cardinals, Padres and Giants – playing seven.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Armando Galarraga, Rick Porcello, Sir Sidney Ponson, Sergio Mitre, Brian Moehler, Rodrigo Lopez and Joe Blanton, and LHPs Andy Pettitte, Brett Cecil, Jorge De La Rosa, Randy Wolf, Scott Olsen and John Lannan. Our highest recommendation is Wolf, with Porcello, Blanton and De La Rosa as live longshots.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Role reversal: Consider NL batters, AL pitchers
There could be significant advantages in games, or at least innings, played this week in the National League. Or the advantage for the Nationals and particularly the Astros over most teams would be slight.
Houston and Washington are scheduled for seven games, plus the completion of a suspended game. Most NL teams would be playing seven games, but the Dodgers, Brewers, Mets and Pirates are scheduled for just six. Thus, those teams' hitters and relief pitchers would have a 14 per cent disadvantage over 10 teams in their league. The suspended game already is in extra innings, so it could drag on. Or it could mean just an extra at-bat for one National.
Every NL team is playing this week's schedule entirely at home or entirely on the road. Even the completion of the Nationals' home game from May 4 is taking place in Houston Thursday.
In the American League, just three teams have games split between the road and their home park. The Orioles and White Sox would play three times each home and road. The Yankees are scheduled to begin the week at home Monday against the Blue Jays, then to go on the road for six games.
Six AL teams -- the Red Sox, Royals, Yankees, Mariners, Rangers and Blue Jays -- would play seven games. The eight others are scheduled for seven games.
The Red Sox (Athletics three games, Royals four) and Mariners (Orioles three, Rangers four) are scheduled to play seven games at home. Boston has one of the majors' best hitters' parks; Seattle is one of the best for pitchers.
Overall, it looks like a better week for pitchers than for hitters in the AL, but in the NL, the hitters would seem to have an advantage.
In addition to Seattle, Minnesota (Yankees and White Sox three games each) has one of the majors' best pitchers' parks, which would be in play for all six Twins games this week. Tampa Bay (Blue Jays and Athletics) also is scheduled for six home games in a park that slightly favors pitchers. The only AL park scheduled for six games in a positive hitting environment is at Detroit (Royals and Indians).
In contrast, the NL would have three of the majors' best hitting parks in use for seven games. Those are at Arizona (Padres three, Marlins four); Wrigley Field (Braves three, Cardinals four), and Colorado (Nationals three, Braves four). Thus, it might not be a bad week for Atlanta batters, even on the road. Also, hitters generally have the upper hand in Philadelphia (Reds four, Pirates three) and San Francisco (Marlins three, Padres four). So it might not be a bad week to consider Florida and San Diego batters.
The only National League parks favoring pitchers slightly all week would be at Houston (Pirates three, Nationals four-plus); Milwaukee (Cardinals and Dodgers three each), and Citi Field (Dodgers and Reds three each). In other words, leave your Dodgers batters on the bench.
With so many teams playing their entire schedule at home, there would be plenty of pitchers with two home starts this week. They would be RHPs John Smoltz, Josh Beckett, Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver, Scott Baker, James Shields, Jon Garland, Randy Wells, Ryan Dempster, Jason Marquis, Jason Hammel, Brian Moehler, Yovani Gallardo, Mike Pelfrey and Matt Cain, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Erik Bedard, Doug Davis, Mike Hampton, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ and Barry Zito. Our highest recommendations are Beckett, who has made our Hot list two weeks in a row; Shields; Gallardo, and Cain, with Baker and Washburn as live longshots.
Houston and Washington are scheduled for seven games, plus the completion of a suspended game. Most NL teams would be playing seven games, but the Dodgers, Brewers, Mets and Pirates are scheduled for just six. Thus, those teams' hitters and relief pitchers would have a 14 per cent disadvantage over 10 teams in their league. The suspended game already is in extra innings, so it could drag on. Or it could mean just an extra at-bat for one National.
Every NL team is playing this week's schedule entirely at home or entirely on the road. Even the completion of the Nationals' home game from May 4 is taking place in Houston Thursday.
In the American League, just three teams have games split between the road and their home park. The Orioles and White Sox would play three times each home and road. The Yankees are scheduled to begin the week at home Monday against the Blue Jays, then to go on the road for six games.
Six AL teams -- the Red Sox, Royals, Yankees, Mariners, Rangers and Blue Jays -- would play seven games. The eight others are scheduled for seven games.
The Red Sox (Athletics three games, Royals four) and Mariners (Orioles three, Rangers four) are scheduled to play seven games at home. Boston has one of the majors' best hitters' parks; Seattle is one of the best for pitchers.
Overall, it looks like a better week for pitchers than for hitters in the AL, but in the NL, the hitters would seem to have an advantage.
In addition to Seattle, Minnesota (Yankees and White Sox three games each) has one of the majors' best pitchers' parks, which would be in play for all six Twins games this week. Tampa Bay (Blue Jays and Athletics) also is scheduled for six home games in a park that slightly favors pitchers. The only AL park scheduled for six games in a positive hitting environment is at Detroit (Royals and Indians).
In contrast, the NL would have three of the majors' best hitting parks in use for seven games. Those are at Arizona (Padres three, Marlins four); Wrigley Field (Braves three, Cardinals four), and Colorado (Nationals three, Braves four). Thus, it might not be a bad week for Atlanta batters, even on the road. Also, hitters generally have the upper hand in Philadelphia (Reds four, Pirates three) and San Francisco (Marlins three, Padres four). So it might not be a bad week to consider Florida and San Diego batters.
The only National League parks favoring pitchers slightly all week would be at Houston (Pirates three, Nationals four-plus); Milwaukee (Cardinals and Dodgers three each), and Citi Field (Dodgers and Reds three each). In other words, leave your Dodgers batters on the bench.
With so many teams playing their entire schedule at home, there would be plenty of pitchers with two home starts this week. They would be RHPs John Smoltz, Josh Beckett, Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver, Scott Baker, James Shields, Jon Garland, Randy Wells, Ryan Dempster, Jason Marquis, Jason Hammel, Brian Moehler, Yovani Gallardo, Mike Pelfrey and Matt Cain, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Erik Bedard, Doug Davis, Mike Hampton, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ and Barry Zito. Our highest recommendations are Beckett, who has made our Hot list two weeks in a row; Shields; Gallardo, and Cain, with Baker and Washburn as live longshots.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Stay away from Giants' batters
Two teams’ batters and relief pitchers will have an advantage this week in games played. The Mets and Cardinals are the only teams scheduled to play seven games; the other 28 would play six times. This week’s games again will be interleague contests, except for St. Louis, which will complete a string of seven National League games by visiting the Mets for four games; New York, and the Brewers and Giants, who are scheduled for a three-game series Friday-Sunday in Milwaukee.
The Mets also would play all seven of their games, including three against the Yankees, at home.
Nine other teams are scheduled to play their six games at home. That would include two teams in extreme hitters’ parks: the White Sox (Dodgers and Cubs three games each) and Diamondbacks (Rangers and Angels). The other seven all play home games in parks that favor pitchers. The only extreme pitchers’ park in play all week would be at Oakland (Giants and Rockies). However, the parks at Tampa Bay (Phillies and Marlins), Toronto (Reds and Phillies), Atlanta (Yankees and Red Sox), Houston (Royals and Tigers), Milwaukee (Twins and Giants) and Pittsburgh (Indians and Royals) favor pitchers only slightly. Still, it doesn’t seem to be a good week to put batters from the Giants, Phillies and Royals in your lineup.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Trevor Cahill, Scott Richmond, Max Scherzer, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Russ Ortiz, Jeff Suppan, Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez and Ian Snell, and LHPs John Danks and David Price. Our highest recommendations are Vazquez and Danks. Live longshots for this week are Richmond and Hanson.
The Mets also would play all seven of their games, including three against the Yankees, at home.
Nine other teams are scheduled to play their six games at home. That would include two teams in extreme hitters’ parks: the White Sox (Dodgers and Cubs three games each) and Diamondbacks (Rangers and Angels). The other seven all play home games in parks that favor pitchers. The only extreme pitchers’ park in play all week would be at Oakland (Giants and Rockies). However, the parks at Tampa Bay (Phillies and Marlins), Toronto (Reds and Phillies), Atlanta (Yankees and Red Sox), Houston (Royals and Tigers), Milwaukee (Twins and Giants) and Pittsburgh (Indians and Royals) favor pitchers only slightly. Still, it doesn’t seem to be a good week to put batters from the Giants, Phillies and Royals in your lineup.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Trevor Cahill, Scott Richmond, Max Scherzer, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Russ Ortiz, Jeff Suppan, Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez and Ian Snell, and LHPs John Danks and David Price. Our highest recommendations are Vazquez and Danks. Live longshots for this week are Richmond and Hanson.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hitters ready to feast this week
No team will have an advantage in games played this week. Every team is scheduled to play six games. All of those will be interleague games except for the Braves’ series at Cincinnati Tuesday-Thursday and the Pirates at Colorado Friday-Sunday.
Instead, the advantage generally will be with batters, and it should be a big advantage. Nine teams would play all six games at home. Of the nine home parks in play all week, four of them are among the nine best hitters’ parks in the majors. Seven of the nine home teams play in the top half of hitters’ parks. Two of the six best pitchers’ parks will be in play: at Minnesota (Pirates and Astros three games each) and San Diego (Mariners and Athletics).
The week’s very best hitters’ park could be at Boston (Marlins and Braves), because designated hitters will be used there. However, Fenway Park could have competition for the top scoring spot from parks at Cincinnati (Braves and White Sox), Colorado (Rays and Pirates) and Wrigley Field (White Sox and Indians). Note that Braves and White Sox batters could do well (and pitchers not so well) because they’ll be playing in hitters’ parks all week.
Other parks favoring hitters this week will be at Kansas City (Diamondbacks and Cardinals), Philadelphia (Blue Jays and Orioles) and San Francisco (Angels and Rangers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Tim Wakefield, Gil Meche, Carlos Zambrano, Aaron Harang and Kevin Correia, and LHPs Glen Perkins, Jorge DeLaRosa, Cole Hamels and Barry Zito.
As I said, it’s not likely to be a good week for pitchers, but I have to have a highest recommendation. Hamels is that man. And if you’re willing to go out on a shaky limb, try DeLaRosa as a live longshot.
Instead, the advantage generally will be with batters, and it should be a big advantage. Nine teams would play all six games at home. Of the nine home parks in play all week, four of them are among the nine best hitters’ parks in the majors. Seven of the nine home teams play in the top half of hitters’ parks. Two of the six best pitchers’ parks will be in play: at Minnesota (Pirates and Astros three games each) and San Diego (Mariners and Athletics).
The week’s very best hitters’ park could be at Boston (Marlins and Braves), because designated hitters will be used there. However, Fenway Park could have competition for the top scoring spot from parks at Cincinnati (Braves and White Sox), Colorado (Rays and Pirates) and Wrigley Field (White Sox and Indians). Note that Braves and White Sox batters could do well (and pitchers not so well) because they’ll be playing in hitters’ parks all week.
Other parks favoring hitters this week will be at Kansas City (Diamondbacks and Cardinals), Philadelphia (Blue Jays and Orioles) and San Francisco (Angels and Rangers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Tim Wakefield, Gil Meche, Carlos Zambrano, Aaron Harang and Kevin Correia, and LHPs Glen Perkins, Jorge DeLaRosa, Cole Hamels and Barry Zito.
As I said, it’s not likely to be a good week for pitchers, but I have to have a highest recommendation. Hamels is that man. And if you’re willing to go out on a shaky limb, try DeLaRosa as a live longshot.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Good week for pitchers
The overall numbers say that this week's major league schedule is fairly even. Sixteen teams are scheduled to play six games and 14 to play seven. However, batters and relief pitchers for four American League teams (White Sox, Indians, Yankees and Athletics) will have an advantage over the AL's other 10 teams that would be playing just six games. The opposite is the case in the National League -- where 10 teams are scheduled for seven games while the Diamondbacks, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Giants and Nationals would play six.
Five teams are scheduled to play seven games at home: the White Sox, Marlins, Astros, Dodgers and Cardinals. Another six -- Tigers, Mariners, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres and Nationals -- would play all six of their games at home. Of those 11 home parks, only the White Sox play in a park that favors batters greatly, and just Detroit and Washington play in pretty good hitters' parks. In contrast, St. Louis, Seattle and San Diego have very good pitchers' parks. The stadiums in Florida, Houston, Toronto and Atlanta, along with Dodger Stadium, also favor pitchers. On the whole, it should be a better week for pitchers than for batters.
Scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Bartolo Colon, Gavin Floyd, Rick Porcello, A.J. Burnett, Roy Halladay, Kenshin Kawakami, Burke Badenhop, Roy Oswalt, Felipe Paulino, Hiroki Kuroda, Todd Wellemeyer, Mitchell Boggs, Jake Peavy and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Andrew Miller and Randy Wolf. My highest recommendations are Halladay, Peavy and Wolf, with Kawakami as a live longshot.
Five teams are scheduled to play seven games at home: the White Sox, Marlins, Astros, Dodgers and Cardinals. Another six -- Tigers, Mariners, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres and Nationals -- would play all six of their games at home. Of those 11 home parks, only the White Sox play in a park that favors batters greatly, and just Detroit and Washington play in pretty good hitters' parks. In contrast, St. Louis, Seattle and San Diego have very good pitchers' parks. The stadiums in Florida, Houston, Toronto and Atlanta, along with Dodger Stadium, also favor pitchers. On the whole, it should be a better week for pitchers than for batters.
Scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Bartolo Colon, Gavin Floyd, Rick Porcello, A.J. Burnett, Roy Halladay, Kenshin Kawakami, Burke Badenhop, Roy Oswalt, Felipe Paulino, Hiroki Kuroda, Todd Wellemeyer, Mitchell Boggs, Jake Peavy and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Andrew Miller and Randy Wolf. My highest recommendations are Halladay, Peavy and Wolf, with Kawakami as a live longshot.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Schedule notes: Good week for hitters, Indians
You have a no-brainer choice this week if you’re deciding between hitters and relief pitchers from the Indians and Athletics. Cleveland, the only team in the American League scheduled for seven games this week, would have 40 per cent more games than Oakland, which would play five. Every other AL team is scheduled for six games.
In the National League, the Mets, Phillies, Giants and Nationals would play seven games, with the other 12 teams scheduled for six. San Francisco is the only major league team with seven scheduled home games (three against the Nationals, four against the Mets). That’s part of what should be overall a good week for hitters.
The Giants’ home park slightly favors hitters, but two stadiums scheduled to host six games this week are among the majors’ best hitters’ parks. At Texas, the Mariners and Angels are scheduled for three games each. The Padres and Astros are scheduled for three each at Wrigley Field.
The other parks in play all week slightly favor pitchers. Those parks are in Pittsburgh (Cardinals and Rockies three each) and Toronto (Yankees and White Sox three each).
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Scott Feldman, Roy Halladay, Rich Harden and Matt Cain, and LHPs Zach Duke and Randy Johnson. Our highest recommendations are Halladay and Cain. We’ve already given you the inconsistent Duke as a live longshot, and we’ll give him another chance, along with Feldman. But remember, they’re live longshots, so they’re a gamble.
In the National League, the Mets, Phillies, Giants and Nationals would play seven games, with the other 12 teams scheduled for six. San Francisco is the only major league team with seven scheduled home games (three against the Nationals, four against the Mets). That’s part of what should be overall a good week for hitters.
The Giants’ home park slightly favors hitters, but two stadiums scheduled to host six games this week are among the majors’ best hitters’ parks. At Texas, the Mariners and Angels are scheduled for three games each. The Padres and Astros are scheduled for three each at Wrigley Field.
The other parks in play all week slightly favor pitchers. Those parks are in Pittsburgh (Cardinals and Rockies three each) and Toronto (Yankees and White Sox three each).
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Scott Feldman, Roy Halladay, Rich Harden and Matt Cain, and LHPs Zach Duke and Randy Johnson. Our highest recommendations are Halladay and Cain. We’ve already given you the inconsistent Duke as a live longshot, and we’ll give him another chance, along with Feldman. But remember, they’re live longshots, so they’re a gamble.
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