As we approach the final month of the MLB season, the pennant races are heating up. Here’s some of what’s in store for the weekend of August 24-26. Note that all information is for games played through August 21.
Philadelphia Phillies versus Toronto Blue Jays
Despite very mediocre play lately, the Phillies remain within striking distance in the NL East. They are +24 on the Power Ranking Indicator, although showing a downward trend on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Blue Jays are 12 games under .500, but are 5-5 over their last ten. They are +5 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. In terms of the Pitcher Profit Oscillator, the Phillies have the advantage on Friday and Saturday with Jake Arrieta and Nick Pivetta versus Sean Reid-Foley and Ryan Borucki. The Blue Jays best chance for a win will be Sunday when Marco Estrada takes on Vince Velasquez. Look for the Phillies to take two of three in this series.
Washington Nationals versus New York Mets
In this NL East battle, the Nationals try to make a late season push back into playoff contention. They hold a +13 to +9 advantage over the Mets on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average up” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Tied for the fourth most unstable team in the league, the favorite/underdog status is not the best thing to look at when betting for or against the Nationals. Only Friday’s starters, Jefry Rodriguez and Jason Vargas are in the green on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Neither team will sweep, but the Mets are just 25-38 at home, so I see the Nationals taking this series, two games to one.
St. Louis Cardinals versus Colorado Rockies
The Cardinals enter second in the NL Central, while the Rockies are in the same position in the NL West. Both teams are 8-2 over their last ten and the Rockies hold a +28 to +20 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are among the most unstable in the league according to the Team Volatility Oscillator, so pay little attention to the favorite/underdog status in this one. Miles Mikolas and Anotnio Senzatela are nearly identical in terms of pitcher profit for Friday’s opener. There is a clear advantage for the Rockies on Saturday with German Marquez versus John Gant. On the flip side, Austin Gomber at +520 has been much more profitable than Tyler Anderson are -961 for the Rockies. I believe St. Louis will leave Colorado at the end of the weekend with a series win.
San Diego Padres versus Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have dropped to third in the NL West after a 3-7 stretch. San Diego is also 3-7 over their last ten and have the worst record in the National League. Los Angeles holds a +17 to +3 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” versus “dead” status. San Diego is the 10th most stable team in the league, meaning they are performing rather consistently with their favorite/underdog status. On the other hand, the Dodgers are the fourth most unstable team in the league. Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood are scheduled to go for the Dodgers. Clayton Richard, Brett Kennedy and Robbie Erlin are penciled in to go for the Padres. The worst bet this weekend in terms of the Pitcher Profit Oscillator is Wood at -2064, while Clayton Kershaw is the highest at +693. Los Angeles should get back on track and win two of three in this series.
Oakland A’s versus Minnesota Twins
In this match up of two second place teams, the A’s hold a +26 to +13 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are playing well lately as Oakland is 8-2 over their last ten and the Twins are 7-3 in the same stretch. Of the six scheduled starters for this series, only Oakland’s Mike Fiers is in the green on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator at +1266. Sean Manaea is a strong favorite over Jake Odorizzi, while Sunday’s game is nearly even in terms of pitcher profit with Brett Anderson going against Jose Berrios. The A’s should leave Minnesota with a series win, despite a solid 38-26 record for Minnesota at home.
Cleveland Indians versus Kansas City Royals
In this AL Central match up, there’s little to indicate the Royals have much of a chance. Cleveland is 9-1 over their last ten, “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +26 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Kansas City is 3-7 over their last team, 0 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “ice cold down”. In terms of the Pitcher Profit Oscillator, Brad Keller at +208 is a better bet in Friday’s game than Mike Clevinger, however, don’t be fooled into thinking that is the only indicator as to who will win the game. Shane Bieber is the only scheduled starter for the Indians that is in the green in terms of profit, at +282. The Indians will win this series and perhaps sweep, increasing their lead in the division.
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