Every dog has his day and today is Chicago's day. Yes, it's a play on the White Sox and Rodon but a fade of Colon as well, who over the last seven games has an ERA of 7.36 and a WHIP of 1.66 which should preclude anyone from being favored, even over the White Sox. His fly ball rate has always been bad, but it's getting worse. A lot worse. I am also betting that a 45 year old pitcher who doesn't pitch deep anymore will struggle in the heat, which is upper 90's at game time, far more than the 25 year old Rodon, who missed so much of the season he's even more fresh. His WHIP is way, way, down - and I thought perhaps it was an anomaly but the fact is that in his Minor league stint it was as well. Whenever I bet against Texas I want to know how Beltre and Andrus fare against the opposing pitcher, and they're a combined 2-15 with no extra base hits, and the Rangers haven't taken him yard in 52 at bats. As far as the bullpens go, last nights' Ranger blowout kept any decent Chicago relievers from having to throw, and over the last week their bullpen has been solid - a 3.42 ERA. The Rangers' pen at home has been much worse than on the road - an ERA almost 2.5 runs higher. Texas did most of their damage Friday night in one inning, the second, plating seven runs, so it's not like they abused everyone. In the end you (I) have to ask why the Rangers are ONLY slight home favorites against the White Sox - an I've laid out the answer. 

06/30/2018 4:23 AM