After going 2-1 and +0.63 units, I am excited for Interleague Play. This is, in my opinion, a challenging yet very lucrative part of the season. Teams that have never matched up before are playing, so it is our job to exploit the weaknesses of Al-Nl and Nl-Al matchups.
A's -125
Pros:
Zito is 0-5 6.53 ERA at home. Giants have only won 2 out of last 11 games at home. Since coming over to the Giants, Zito is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA versus his former team. Greg Smith has been a solid pitcher this year. The Giants haven't seen his stuff yet, so expect him to be more effective. Oakland has one of the best bullpen's in the majors.
Cons:
The Giants hit better against lefties.
Angels -139
Pros:
Atlanta (32-35) has lost six straight overall and six straight on the road. The Braves fell to 7-24 on the road this season after getting swept by the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Los Angeles has won nine of 11 and 17 of 24, including taking two of three this week against Tampa Bay. Los Angeles has won 18 of its last 23 interleague games, and is 12-2 in its last 14 home games against the NL. The Angels won two of three at home against the Dodgers in May. On the road, the Braves win 23.3% of games. That is pretty awful.
Cons:
Honestly, I cannot think of any cons in this play. The Angels are just the better team all around and the Braves are awful on the road. This is a lock.
A's -125
Pros:
Zito is 0-5 6.53 ERA at home. Giants have only won 2 out of last 11 games at home. Since coming over to the Giants, Zito is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA versus his former team. Greg Smith has been a solid pitcher this year. The Giants haven't seen his stuff yet, so expect him to be more effective. Oakland has one of the best bullpen's in the majors.
Cons:
The Giants hit better against lefties.
Angels -139
Pros:
Atlanta (32-35) has lost six straight overall and six straight on the road. The Braves fell to 7-24 on the road this season after getting swept by the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Los Angeles has won nine of 11 and 17 of 24, including taking two of three this week against Tampa Bay. Los Angeles has won 18 of its last 23 interleague games, and is 12-2 in its last 14 home games against the NL. The Angels won two of three at home against the Dodgers in May. On the road, the Braves win 23.3% of games. That is pretty awful.
Cons:
Honestly, I cannot think of any cons in this play. The Angels are just the better team all around and the Braves are awful on the road. This is a lock.
