Interleague play starts today.
MLB has staggered the rivalry matchups, so this weekend will feature some unusual dance partners (Marlins/White Sox? Dodgers/Tigers? Astros/Rays? Blue Jays/Diamondbacks??!!) in addition to the familiar blood feuds (Giants/A's, Yankees/Mets, Twins/Brewers, Orioles/Natinals).
Tonight's card looks good on paper. We'll see Joel Pineiro's return to St. Louis, as well as Alfonso Soriano in Arlington, rejuvenated Barry Zito in Oakland, and Javier Vazquez looking to lower his 8.01 ERA against a National League team. Plus, a likely 1-0 game when Wade LeBlanc's Padres visit Cliff Lee's Mariners.
It's fun to watch unusual matchups for a few weeks, I think. It's less fun to watch the Jays get hammered. Unfortunately, that's what usually happens this time of year. That's particularly annoying when the rest of the American League fattens up on the same puppies that are killing the Jays. The AL has won interleague play by 20, 56, 22, 46 and 23 games the last five years. That's an average of 33.4 games.
In light of the AL's clear pitching advantage, I would be shocked to see a different result this year. Anyone disagree?
The Jays face a fairly challenging assignment this weekend. The Diamondbacks lead the NL in homers. They are, however, 18-24. Here's why:
Bullpen WPA
1. Rays (3.07)
16. Blue Jays (0.07)
27. Orioles (-1.66)
28. Mariners (-2.14)
29. Brewers (-2.69)
30. Diamondbacks (-4.73)
Their pen doesn't look that bad on paper. Chad Qualls has excellent defense-independent stats. Saul Rivera had three straight good years for the Nationals. Aaron Heilman has had success before, as well, and Juan Gutierrez can miss bats. It's not a deep bullpen, but I expect it to improve.
Tonight, Arizona sends Dan Haren to the mound. Haren was lit up by the Braves in his last start - he allowed 7 runs in 4.1 innings and took his third Pitcher Loss of the year. But he has 62 strikeouts to only 15 walks; his 4.83 ERA is deceptive. Then again, Jose Molina has homered off Haren...
It's Brandon Morrow's job to calm the snakes tonight. Diamondbacks -170, first pitch is at 9:40.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20100521142709828