The Rangers are undefeated at 1-0 and Cleveland is winless at 0-1. I do like saying that about the Rangers... undefeated!
Scouting Report:Indians: Two Carmonas exist -- the guy who used his sinking, 97-mph fastball to great effect in 2007, when he won 19 games and finished third in the Cy Young voting, and the guy who overthrew that sinker with disastrous consequences in his brief closing stint in '06 and his unremarkable '08. Carmona had a hip strain that held him out of action for two months last year, and that was no doubt part of his problem. But the Indians also believe he had trouble controlling his emotions. He showed much better control of himself and his pitches in spring camp, so the Tribe has high hopes for him going forward. They'll need a strong season from him in the No. 2 spot of the rotation if they're going to contend. Carmona was 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts against Texas last year.
Rangers: Padilla went 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA in four Spring Training outings. He was 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in six April starts in 2008, but is 13-19 with a 4.09 ERA in his career in April. That's his worst won-loss record for any month. He ended up winning 14-plus games for the fourth time in his career and was the Rangers' Pitcher of the Year. He is 2-2 with a 6.82 ERA in six career starts against the Indians.
Here's who I have picked for my "Beat the Streak" for thie next few days. I am a bit worried about Padilla and his start against the Tribe. I'm sure he will do well, but I am just a little leary is all... It's mostly coming from the high ERA against them. This is a different team, as far as character this year than in previous years. It already spells a win in the season opener... could it spell 2-0?
Forecast: There will be hits. A lot of them. And from both sides. The Rangers have the upper hand here, with more firepower than the Tribe. In fact, they have more firepower than most teams out there. And that is what the DR. ordered for this game. Look for a high scoring affair in the realm of 10-7, Rangers.
Rangers: Padilla went 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA in four Spring Training outings. He was 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in six April starts in 2008, but is 13-19 with a 4.09 ERA in his career in April. That's his worst won-loss record for any month. He ended up winning 14-plus games for the fourth time in his career and was the Rangers' Pitcher of the Year. He is 2-2 with a 6.82 ERA in six career starts against the Indians.
Here's who I have picked for my "Beat the Streak" for thie next few days. I am a bit worried about Padilla and his start against the Tribe. I'm sure he will do well, but I am just a little leary is all... It's mostly coming from the high ERA against them. This is a different team, as far as character this year than in previous years. It already spells a win in the season opener... could it spell 2-0?
Forecast: There will be hits. A lot of them. And from both sides. The Rangers have the upper hand here, with more firepower than the Tribe. In fact, they have more firepower than most teams out there. And that is what the DR. ordered for this game. Look for a high scoring affair in the realm of 10-7, Rangers.
1 Random Thoughts:
Ryan Theriot got me a hit tonight!
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