Capping the most profitable staff in baseball
By GREG GAMBLE
With a double-digit lead in the lowly AL West and a commanding lead in overall ATS money won, is it possible for the Rally Monkey magic to continue?
As the price of a Halo-play rises like Travis Henry’s tent at a strip club, should you be wary of an investment if Scioscia starts resting his aging outfields and pulls his starters earlier? And is it true Jered Weaver is unhittable when the lights are off?
While you may think these questions are impossible to answer with an inexperienced infield and a leader known league-wide as the most even keel manager on the diamond --never getting Smokey from Friday high or Kobe Tai in Face Invaders low, I simply analyze who’s toeing the rubber to find those answers.
(Money ranking for MLB starters) pitcher (W/L, ERA) (team record when pitching)
No. 8 Joe Saunders (12-5, 3.05) (14-5)
The 27-year old lefty has been a gold-mine this season even though he’s only started 33 games prior to this year. He has been the definition of consistency with an overall ERA ranging from 3.03 to 3.07 in his last six starts.
Unfortunately, Saunders has already pitched more innings than any previous MLB season, so expect Scioscia to be extra careful with him if the Angles continue to sleepwalk to the playoffs. Expect the former Dodger catcher to drop Joe’s pitch count in the second half, while also giving some of his young relievers more opportunities out of the pen.
I’d be shocked if stays in the top 25 for money won for the season with his prices rising steadily. As for a little ATS gem, in four career starts on turf Saunders has 1.93 ERA and holds hitters to a .222 average.
No. 17 John Lackey (8-2, 3.02) (10-3)
After never missing a start since breaking into the rotation in 2002, the fleshy-faced workhouse opened the season on the DL with a right triceps injury. Upon his return, the gigantic righty was lights-out keeping an ERA under 2.00 for his first 11 starts.
Last season, Lackey’s numbers were almost identical as he finished third in the Cy Young voting (19-9, 3.02) and ranked 18th in MLB money won by starting pitchers.
Similar to Saunders, you have to expect Scioscia to tone down his innings, but because of a proven track record and fiery attitude I think he still has value. Considering the value is usually priced around -180, I’m only taking the under when he’s on the mound.
No. 81 Ervin Santana (11-4, 3.37) (12-8)
Few pitchers can say they’ve been abused like a newbie at a Vivid Entertainment Pool Party the way Santana’s been treated once the bullpen takes over.
With prices similar to an All-Star pitcher, nothing makes an investor’s blood boil more than predicting a dominant performance by a pitcher at -160 and seeing his relievers flush your money down the toilet.
That being said, after ranking No. 283 in money won last year, maybe we should just be thankful he’s kept his ERA under 3.54 all season and actually won some money. As for his second half, he’s struggled mightily in August over his career (5.30 ERA), but usually skips a few starts to regroup for September (3.65) and a playoff run.
No. 98 Jon Garland (8-6, 4.12) (11-9)
As a regular on the Southside, I’ve witnessed the casual moxy of a Jonny G and admire his consistency in the middle of the rotation (career: 100-87, 4.39). But while mediocrity on the mound can earn a hurler a huge payday, it usually nets a gambler plenty of juice debt.
Considering Garland will probably not be in the playoff rotation and makes more money than Saunders, Santana, and Lackey combined, I expect Scioscia to use him later in games resulting in some unfortunate outcomes. While he’s great in the clubhouse and a dream as an end of the rotation guy, that usually doesn’t earn you any points or money with the gambling gods.
No. 175 Jered Weaver (8-8, 4.08) (10-10)
After arriving to Anaheim with plenty of fanfare, the 6-7 brother of Jeff has seen his performance fall in each of the last three seasons (06: 11-2, 2.56 07: 13-7, 3.91).
Considering the Angels almost always are giving money at the window and are only.500 when Weaver toes the rubber this season, let’s just say he’s usually the first name I scratch off the list in the morning. That is, with one caveat: if it’s a day game, put the women and children to bed and go looking for your checkbook. Weaver is 12-2 with a 2.32 ERA when the lights aren’t needed. I guess when the sun’s out those golden locks actually have a purpose.
insideplays.com