We’ve suffered two straight losses since our last winner on the bases. The last one was especially frustrating with Greinke and Chacin cruising – I’m a sore loser with my unders.
That said, the last winner was an under that didn’t look like it would cash at the outset. Nathan Karns struggled early but Cole Hamels kept us alive and the bullpens came through to hold the total at eight.
The Royals have also been bad since Karns’ last start, going 0-4. Actually, they’ve been bad since they got on the road. They lost Karns’ start and the one before that – six straight overall, all on this road trip. So here’s to getting back into the winner’s circle.
Free Pick
The White Sox have put the Royals through the washer in the first two games of this week’s series. KC trotted Jason Vargas out for the first game with his sub-1.00 ERA and he got hit in a 12-1 Sox win. Danny Duffy and his 1.32 ERA didn’t fare any better last night and Chicago won again, 10-5.
Looking at Chicago’s lineup, you have to wonder how. Tim Anderson is hitting .211 and isn’t exactly a greek god of walks from the leadoff spot. Melky Cabrera (steroids), Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier, the three established hitters that make up the heart of the order, aren’t hitting.
Nathan Karns
It’s really only Avisail Garcia carrying a big stick these days, and it’s a big one. The young right fielder it hitting .380 with a .429 OBP after another three hits last night.
Chicago’s lineup is heavy on the right side, however, which may explain some of the success the last two nights against Vargas and Duffy, two lefties. Karns will give the White Sox a different look and may just bring them back to reality.
Speaking of reality, Jose Quintana‘s April numbers don’t reflect how good of a pitcher he is. He hasn’t thrown great in April – four Chicago losses (they’ve also only scored four runs for him). But he’s still the same guy who dominated the American League last year and stymied team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
Quickly running through his four starts, there doesn’t seem to be anything long-term to worry about. He only gave up five hits against Detroit in the first week of April, but three of them were homers; he pitched well the next time against Minnesota but only got one run of support; he wasn’t sharp against the same Twins team the very next time out; and he threw a quality start (but did walk three) in a 3-0 loss to Cleveland last time.
All in all, those four outings have him 0-4 with a 6.17 ERA and while I don’t think those numbers are affecting the line much, I do think they say that things are bound to get a lot better for Quintana.
If the White Sox’ lineup is in for some regression tonight, Quintana is due for some progression. And if Chicago doesn’t want to get him any runs that’s just fine with me. We’re buying half a run and going under.
Free Pick: Under 8.5 (-120)
AL Central • chicago white sox • kansas city royals