Post by Commissioner Erick on Nov 11, 2018 16:04:47 GMT -5
Cleveland Indians (0-0) @ Texas Rangers (0-0)
CLE: Corey Kluber (0-0, 0.00)
TEX: Rick Porcello (0-0, 0.00)
After a couple of promising seasons, the Rangers had an uneven 2019 that ended with them getting blasted out of the Wild Card game. It was still a better year than the Indians had, as the title hopeful found themselves out of the playoffs completely.
Two talented squads looking to rebound off down 2019's square off when the Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Indians.
Texas returns most of its talented hitters, though the loss of Carlos Santana may be felt. Kyle Lewis, Monte Harrison, and Ryan O'Hearn will start on opening day and none of the three has been a regular at the major league level. Texas has always had issues with the bottom of its lineup and this year looks like no exception. However, Having Lewis and Harrison in the field, especially with Billy Hamilton back in center, means the outfield defense will be terrific.
That strong defense will be important with Rick Porcello on the mound. Porcello is a terrific pitcher, as evidenced by his Cy Young Award earned back in 2017. He was top 10 in the AL last year in ERA, WHIP, walks-per-nine, and home runs-per-nine. One thing he's not, though, is a strikeout artist. Porcello is stingy with the walks and free passes and lets his defense vacuum up the weakly hit balls allowed. With a defense as strong as the Rangers defense, he should be primed to put up another strong year.
He'll face off against a Cleveland lineup that's filled with sluggers. Lewis Brinson smashed 40 last year, while Giancarlo Stanton blasted 46. Whether or not the two righties can elevate Porcello will go a long way in deciding the winner.
2017 First round pick Evan Skoug will have a lot of pressure on him in the game. He didn't hit at all in a brief stint in the majors last year, but he also struggled in Triple-A. With only Tyler Naquin and rookie Carlos Sepuvelda penciled in as starters from the left side of the plate, Skoug will be needed as a source of left-handed power.
After a down 2018, last year's Innings leader, Corey Kluber, will take the ball for Cleveland. Kluber went 13-11, but had a strong 3.41 ERA in 232.1 innings. He issued just 39 walks during that span, while striking out 243. He finished fourth in ERA, while the strikeout total was good for second in the league. Cleveland returns the strong bullpen triumvirate of Andrew Miller, Carl Edwards Jr., and Mark Melancon, meaning Porcello will have to be on top of his game. It's unlikely Texas will score too often tonight.
Questions for the GMs:
For David Springgay, Skoug is taking a big leap, becoming full time starting catcher. How much rope will he have if he struggles?
Porcello doesn't yield many strikeouts or home runs. Will you try to put some hit-and-run on to take advantage of that?
How confident are you in Carlos Sepuvelda as your starting second baseman?
For Clayton Piper, Kyle Lewis and Monte Harrison are your starting corner outfielders. How confident are you in their ability to handle major league pitching?
How do you replace Carlos Santana's production?
You only have one lefty in your pen. Is that a situation you'll address, or do you simply want the best pitchers available, regardless of handedness?
CLE: Corey Kluber (0-0, 0.00)
TEX: Rick Porcello (0-0, 0.00)
After a couple of promising seasons, the Rangers had an uneven 2019 that ended with them getting blasted out of the Wild Card game. It was still a better year than the Indians had, as the title hopeful found themselves out of the playoffs completely.
Two talented squads looking to rebound off down 2019's square off when the Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Indians.
Texas returns most of its talented hitters, though the loss of Carlos Santana may be felt. Kyle Lewis, Monte Harrison, and Ryan O'Hearn will start on opening day and none of the three has been a regular at the major league level. Texas has always had issues with the bottom of its lineup and this year looks like no exception. However, Having Lewis and Harrison in the field, especially with Billy Hamilton back in center, means the outfield defense will be terrific.
That strong defense will be important with Rick Porcello on the mound. Porcello is a terrific pitcher, as evidenced by his Cy Young Award earned back in 2017. He was top 10 in the AL last year in ERA, WHIP, walks-per-nine, and home runs-per-nine. One thing he's not, though, is a strikeout artist. Porcello is stingy with the walks and free passes and lets his defense vacuum up the weakly hit balls allowed. With a defense as strong as the Rangers defense, he should be primed to put up another strong year.
He'll face off against a Cleveland lineup that's filled with sluggers. Lewis Brinson smashed 40 last year, while Giancarlo Stanton blasted 46. Whether or not the two righties can elevate Porcello will go a long way in deciding the winner.
2017 First round pick Evan Skoug will have a lot of pressure on him in the game. He didn't hit at all in a brief stint in the majors last year, but he also struggled in Triple-A. With only Tyler Naquin and rookie Carlos Sepuvelda penciled in as starters from the left side of the plate, Skoug will be needed as a source of left-handed power.
After a down 2018, last year's Innings leader, Corey Kluber, will take the ball for Cleveland. Kluber went 13-11, but had a strong 3.41 ERA in 232.1 innings. He issued just 39 walks during that span, while striking out 243. He finished fourth in ERA, while the strikeout total was good for second in the league. Cleveland returns the strong bullpen triumvirate of Andrew Miller, Carl Edwards Jr., and Mark Melancon, meaning Porcello will have to be on top of his game. It's unlikely Texas will score too often tonight.
Questions for the GMs:
For David Springgay, Skoug is taking a big leap, becoming full time starting catcher. How much rope will he have if he struggles?
Porcello doesn't yield many strikeouts or home runs. Will you try to put some hit-and-run on to take advantage of that?
How confident are you in Carlos Sepuvelda as your starting second baseman?
For Clayton Piper, Kyle Lewis and Monte Harrison are your starting corner outfielders. How confident are you in their ability to handle major league pitching?
How do you replace Carlos Santana's production?
You only have one lefty in your pen. Is that a situation you'll address, or do you simply want the best pitchers available, regardless of handedness?
