A month into the MLB season and many races are shaping up for the rest of the season. Which teams have the edge this weekend? Check out some of the match ups in store.
Philadelphia Phillies versus Washington Nationals
The Phillies enter at +20 on the Power Ranking Indicator but have been scuffling lately, as is shown by their “ice cold down” status on the Team Strength Oscillator. Washington is +10 and climbing on the Power Ranking Indicator and “ice cold up” status. Neither team is in the top ten in Team Volatility. On the mound, the Phillies have the edge according to the Pitcher Profit Oscillator in only one game, that is Friday’s match up featuring Nick Pivetta versus Gio Gonzalez. Tanner Roark is barely profitable, but that is much better than Vince Velasquez and his -794 number. On Sunday, both Jake Arrieta and Max Scherzer are excellent bets, however Scherzer is all-world in profit at +2506. The Nationals are at home and will take two of three from the Phillies this weekend.
Cleveland Indians versus New York Yankees
This match up is featuring teams heading in opposite directions. The Yankees are “burning hot” and +29 on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Indians are “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +12 on the Power Ranking Indicator. They Yankees are tied for fourth in Team Volatility, which bodes well since they will likely favorites in each game this weekend. CC Sabathia and Josh Tomlin, who are on the mound Friday, are both good bets, however the Yankees have the edge. Trevor Bauer is solid bet at +318 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator, while Sonny Gray is -1708. In Sunday’s finale, Mike Clevinger has a slight edge over Jordan Montgomery, although neither are great bets. Look for the Yankees to win the series, with the Indians struggling to get a win.
Boston Red Sox versus Texas Rangers
The Red Sox still have the best record in Major Leagues, despite a mediocre 5-5 over the last ten. They are +25 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Rangers are last in the AL West and are just +9 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Boston is sixth in Team Volatility and being favorites this weekend makes them an even more attractive bet. On the mound Friday is Rick Porcello for the Red Sox versus Bartolo Colon. Both have been excellent bets, while Cole Hamels has a decided edge on Saturday over Eduardo Rodriguez. In the finale, Chris Sale takes the ball for the Red Sox versus Martin Perez for the Rangers. Somewhat of a surprise, both pitchers are in the red on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator, however Sale is clearly the better pitcher. The Red Sox should be able to take two of three, anything less will be a surprise and disappointment for the team.
Houston Astros versus Arizona Diamondbacks
In a battle of the titans, both teams are on top in their respective divisions. They are nearly deadlocked on the Power Ranking Indicator with the Astros holding a +26 to +24 edge. Both teams are 7-3 over the last ten, but the Astros are tied for fourth in Team Volatility. Gerrit Cole is a much better bet on Friday compared to Robbie Ray. On Saturday, Zach Greinke is +2550 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator, while Charlie Morton has been a relatively poor bet at -68. Despite having a 1.36 ERA, Justin Verlander is -1103 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. There is a small sample size for his opposing starter Matt Koch, however he’s also in the red. In a hard fought series, I believe the Astros take two of three against the Diamondbacks.
Pittsburgh Pirates versus Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh and Milwaukee battle the Cubs in the NL Central. Despite nearly identical records, Pittsburgh has decisive advantages on the oscillators. They are +28 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” status, while the Brewers are +13 and “ice cold down”. Milwaukee is fifth in Team Volatility. The pitching match ups feature five of the six pitchers in the green on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Junior Guerra holds a +687 to +353 edge on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator in Friday’s match up. Similarly, the Brewers have the advantage on Saturday with Zach Davies versus Jameson Taillon. However, Taillon is quite profitable and could be a decent bet if looking for an upset. The Pirates have the edge on Sunday with Chad Kuhl versus Jhoulys Chacin in terms of profit. The Brewers could take the series, but more likely the Pirates walk away with two. Neither team will be swept.
Chicago Cubs versus St. Louis Cardinals
In the tight NL West, the first place Cubs face the fourth place Cardinals. The Cubs are +27 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot”, while the Cardinals are +20 and declining and “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. On the mound, only two of the six starters this weekend are in the green on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Friday’s match up of Jose Quintana versus Mile Mikolas are nearly identical in terms of profit, however both are poor bets. Tyler Chatwood has a clear advantage and a solid bet over Luke Weaver on Saturday. Sunday’s game features Jon Lester versus Michael Wacha, where Wacha has a +505 to -658 advantage on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. The Cubs will take two of three in a series where most games should be close.
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