Opening weekend is behind us and we are now just scratching the surface on what is to be a long and hopefully profitable baseball season. We had a solid 2-0 showing to kick things off opening day, we are back at it to add some pep to your Monday. Buyer beware, these picks may be a bit too chalky or conservative for some, either way, read on to see who’s on my radar.
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Season Record: 2-0
New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
The Mets will finally get to take the field after getting wiped out all opening weekend due to the dreaded Covid-19 virus. The updated schedule certainly makes things a bit easier in terms of who they will face. Originally they were to open against Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, instead, they will look to feast off lefty Matt Moore who owns a career 4.51 ERA. Moore, who was once a 17 game-winner back in 2013 for the Rays has fallen off the rails more recently. He pitched to a 5.52 ERA in 2017 and a 6.79 ERA in just 102 innings in 2018. Due to knee issues, Moore has missed extensive time in 2019 and 2020.
Over the years, current Mets players have put together promising numbers against the 31-year-old. Over 46 at-bats they are hitting. 304 with a .790 OPS. Fransisco Lindor, most notably, is 8-for-13 with a homer. The Mets head into the new campaign as one of the more potent offensive attacks. They ranked first in the majors in 2020 with a .272 batting average. They also slugged a fourth-best .459. A number that could be improved with the addition of Lindor.
Philadelphia will certainly have their hands full versus one of the best in the game in Jacob deGrom. Active Phillies hitters have faced deGrom quite a bit over the years. They are hitting just .222 with a .625 OPS over 197 plate appearances.
Diamond Pick: New York Mets-235
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers
Two lower-tiered starting pitchers will square off at Globe Life Field Monday afternoon. This game will have some intrigue due to the fact that it will mark the first time in pro sports since the pandemic began that no restrictions will be in place in regards to fan attendance. It will be Steven Matz for the Blue Jays versus Mike Foltynewicz of the Rangers.
The Rangers are already showing us what a dumpster fire they have the potential to be this season. They allowed an amazing 28 runs over the weekend three-game series versus the Kansas City Royals. They did enjoy some offensive success in the opener scoring 10 runs and in Sunday’s 7-3 victory. Last year they struggled against left-handed pitching as they hit just .220 with a .363 SLG. They also posted a fourth-worst K percentage of 26%. Matz and all active Rangers have faced each other for just 15 plate appearances. To date, the Jays’ entire pitching staff have performed well. After three games in the Bronx, they own a 3.50 ERA.
The Jays haven’t had too much success against Folty in limited action. Randal Grichuk, who homered yesterday in New York, is 4-for-12 with a triple versus the former Brave. Free Agent acquisition George Springer has yet to make his Blue Jays debut. His return could be as soon as this series as he continues to get healthier after sustaining an oblique injury.
You really have to like the deep Blue Jays lineup to do damage, especially in the later innings. Last year the Rangers bullpen ranked 22nd in baseball with a 4.63 ERA. The entire staff pitched to a 4.52 ERA at Globe Life Field, also 22nd in the league.
Diamond Pick: Toronto Blue Jays-165
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