Texas Rangers versus Tampa Bay Rays
This match up appears far more lopsided on paper according to the direction of the two teams. The Rangers are +11 and declining on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Rays are at an impressive +25. The wide margin continues according to the MLB Strength Indicator, as the Rangers come in at -0.96 and ice cold versus the Rays at +5.52 and hot. Neither team is in the top 10 on the Volatility Oscillator, making neither team a stable pick as a favorite or underdog.
Examining the pitching match ups:
July 21: Yu Darvish versus Alex Cobb
This one is heavily favored towards Cobb, who has an advantage by nearly 2000 in the Profit Oscillator. Coob comes in at +938 and on the rise, while Darvish is at -1015 and severely declining. Although the overall ERA’s are similar, Darvish is 0-4 over the last six, while Cobb is 4-1 over the last five. I believe the trend will continue and pick the Rays in the opener.
July 22: Andrew Cashner versus Chris Archer
Neither pitcher has been a good bet, with Cashner at -528, which is slightly lower than at the start of the season. Archer is at -1636 and was last positive in the Profit Oscillator in September 2015. Although Cashner is 1-4 over the last four, his ERA is better than Archer’s and going with the best of two not great betting options, pick the Rangers in game two.
July 23: Tyson Ross versus Jake Odorizzi
Ross comes in with a 2-2 record and an astronomical 7.22 ERA. He gave up 8 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings in his last start and has a Profit Oscillator number of -832. While Odorizzi’s profit is even worse at -1444, he is 2-1 over the last three and has a much better 4.37 ERA. The Rays have been the hotter team, Odorizzi has been the better of the two pitchers, so I pick the Rays in the final game to win the series two games to one.
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