by joethejet » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:54 am
Took a quick look today at Big A and Hawk.
Big A's team is really, really under performing. Part of that is because he's very good v LHP and not as good v RHP and has faced a league low 18 LHSP. But, that being said, take a look at these averages:
Martin 236
Polanco 270
Hardy 215
Byrnes 238
Hawpe 269
Cameron 222
Beltre 247
Now, Cameron is probably about right given all the RHP he's facing, and I don't expect much out of Beltre, but the rest are pretty low. Hardy is hitting 197 v LHP :shock:
Pujols and Ankiel are the only ones hitting what you would expect. Remember, he's in Citizen's Park.
His pitching besides for Tallet is all pretty much worst than what you would expect too, even in Citizen's. You could argue that Hamels, Moylan and myabe Stree aren't too far off too, but with a good defensive club, I would expect more. I have a feeling he'll make a run, but that the hole is just too deep.
Hawk, I think, is riding a hot streak (7 straight wins) and is in a bubble. His pitching just isn't as good as it's performed even in AT&T (see our pitching staff in the similar Angels). Besides, he's got a 4.02 ERA. I just don't see that continuing.
Besides, the league is so close (again) 9 teams are within 7 games of the best record and within six of a PO spot so a good hot or cold streak could change the order.
The ratings would say that Smokey is going to stay where he is, Warrior and Hawk are going to drop. C2 and Big M are for real, AT will make a run at Hawk.
With Big A so far out of the race, the next 8 teams rate within about 275 points, although that's not a small gap, it's not all that big either.
Interestingly (and disappointingly for me!) the East looks to be the toughest division and the Central the weakest. With Warrior over and Big A under, the West currently has a better record. It will be interesting to see if that sticks.
Anyway, that's what the ratings say. Tell me what they're missing!
Jet