Steven Strasburg has been the center of most of the talk around the league since he was called up in early June. He set a record for most strikeouts through 3 starts (32 total K's) and has been absolutely dominant except for a pitch here and there (ask Delwyn Young or Travis Hafner what I'm talking about). So after three very nice starts, what can we expect in his fourth?
More of the same. He faces a Kansas City offense that many people tend to overlook. At first, I thought that KC's offense would be one of the weakest in the league, but further research contradicted that opinion. They have the AL's top batting average at .280 and are mid-pack in RBI, runs, and OBP. Their only real weakness is a lack of power; they sit 11th in the AL with only 52 homers on the year. It is reasonable to expect Strasburg to go about 7 IP, give up around 5-6 hits, an earned run, and strikeout at least 8 hitters.
Other news on this busy Wednesday in June: The Cardinals vs. Blue Jays match-up looks to be a pitchers duel as Chris Carpenter (8-1, 2.83 ERA) and Ricky Romero (6-3, 3.08 ERA) face off. Cinderella story R.A. Dickey will face a huge test in Detroit's slugging offense (his "wonder year" may come to an end a bit earlier than he'd like). Lastly, baseball's newest CY Young caliber pitcher, Ubaldo Jimenez, gets a tough draw in Boston's hot offense. Hopefully the dizzyness that forced him to leave the stadium on Tuesday has gone away and he will be able to duel the Red Sox' hitters all night long.
Enjoy baseball today, it should be a good one!
Well, it looks like the day just got busier as the Marlins fired their manager and two coaches. As we probably all guessed, the immature, selfish, coddled, and overpaid "superstar" always wins that battle.
ReplyDeleteNice job, Hanley. Any chance your team had of winning just went down the drain. If you don't have to listen to Fredi, then I guess your teammates don't either.
Shame on you and probably the worst owner in baseball, Jeffrey Loria. When Fredi is managing the Braves after Bobby retires, you will regret it.
Hanley is young and has an obvious maturity issue. The Marlins will never contend for a division title unless he solves that issue and becomes the leader he is supposed to be. It looks like the early rumors circling around the baseball world are about Bobby Valentine possibly becoming the next manager in Florida.
ReplyDeleteStrasburg pitched very well once again but until the Nats' offense improves, he will take some tough losses like this one. Bryce Harper will help when he's ready.
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