PREMIUM
MLB First Half Game of the Year
(MLB) Baltimore vs. Seattle,
Money Line: 108.00 Baltimore (Away)
Result: Loss
Money Line: 108.00 Baltimore (Away)
Result: Loss
I believe this could be the top value play of the season so far getting the Orioles as an opening underdog against Seattle journeyman southpaw Wade LeBlanc.
Baltimore just set a major league record for homers in a month with 56 in June. The Orioles rank fifth in runs scored and are first in home runs. They are 13-8 on the season versus lefty starters, including 5-1 during the past six instances.
It's an understatement to say the Orioles are swinging hot bats. They have scored 85 runs in last 11 games, an average of 7.7 runs per game. Now they draw LeBlanc, who is making his second big league start in three years. The Mariners were desperate for a starter with Felix Hernandez on the DL and Nate Karns struggling. So Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto acquired LeBlanc from the Blue Jays.
This is what Dipoto said before LeBlanc's first start for Seattle this past Friday: "He's 31 years old, he's been out there before. He knows the routine. He might not pitch well, but he won't go out there and panic."
This isn't exactly a ringing endorsement Nor should it be given than LeBlanc is 21-33 lifetime with a 4.46 ERA. This is LeBlanc's fifth big league team. LeBlanc pitched in Japan last season where he had a 4.23 ERA.
LeBlanc earned this start by throwing six shutout innings against the Cardinals last Friday. Credit to LeBlanc for that surprising performance. But he is who he is and that's a fringe big-leaguer, a desperation, fill-in starter with a proven ERA of near 4.50. The Orioles should eat him up. The Mariners have a below average bullpen with a shaky closer carrying a high fatigue rating.
Baltimore is playing well, too, having won seven of its last eight. Seattle is 4-8 in its last 12.
There are reasons why the oddsmaker opened Seattle a favorite, though, chief among them is the Mariners being home and the Orioles going with Kevin Gausman, who has been more about potential than production.
But I see a buy sign hereon Gausman coming off a 5-0 victory against the Rays this past Saturday at home where he allowed just four hits - all singles - with seven strikeouts and no walks in 7 2/3 innings. Gausman has a 3.93 ERA and is due for some good luck. His last four road starts have come at tough hitter's parks against tough offenses - the Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Astros.
The last time Gausman pitched at a more friendly pitcher's park was five road starts ago when he allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and a walk against the Angels. Now he gets to pitch here at Safeco Field, one of the better pitcher's parks in the majors. Gausman is 25 and talented. The same can't be said for LeBlanc.
Baltimore just set a major league record for homers in a month with 56 in June. The Orioles rank fifth in runs scored and are first in home runs. They are 13-8 on the season versus lefty starters, including 5-1 during the past six instances.
It's an understatement to say the Orioles are swinging hot bats. They have scored 85 runs in last 11 games, an average of 7.7 runs per game. Now they draw LeBlanc, who is making his second big league start in three years. The Mariners were desperate for a starter with Felix Hernandez on the DL and Nate Karns struggling. So Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto acquired LeBlanc from the Blue Jays.
This is what Dipoto said before LeBlanc's first start for Seattle this past Friday: "He's 31 years old, he's been out there before. He knows the routine. He might not pitch well, but he won't go out there and panic."
This isn't exactly a ringing endorsement Nor should it be given than LeBlanc is 21-33 lifetime with a 4.46 ERA. This is LeBlanc's fifth big league team. LeBlanc pitched in Japan last season where he had a 4.23 ERA.
LeBlanc earned this start by throwing six shutout innings against the Cardinals last Friday. Credit to LeBlanc for that surprising performance. But he is who he is and that's a fringe big-leaguer, a desperation, fill-in starter with a proven ERA of near 4.50. The Orioles should eat him up. The Mariners have a below average bullpen with a shaky closer carrying a high fatigue rating.
Baltimore is playing well, too, having won seven of its last eight. Seattle is 4-8 in its last 12.
There are reasons why the oddsmaker opened Seattle a favorite, though, chief among them is the Mariners being home and the Orioles going with Kevin Gausman, who has been more about potential than production.
But I see a buy sign hereon Gausman coming off a 5-0 victory against the Rays this past Saturday at home where he allowed just four hits - all singles - with seven strikeouts and no walks in 7 2/3 innings. Gausman has a 3.93 ERA and is due for some good luck. His last four road starts have come at tough hitter's parks against tough offenses - the Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Astros.
The last time Gausman pitched at a more friendly pitcher's park was five road starts ago when he allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and a walk against the Angels. Now he gets to pitch here at Safeco Field, one of the better pitcher's parks in the majors. Gausman is 25 and talented. The same can't be said for LeBlanc.
