Series Preview: Tigers @ Angels (Rally Time)

Over the last two years, the Angels have owned the Tigers with a .769 winning percentage and they are going to own them again. Why? Because over the past 14 days, the Tigers have scored a measly 55 runs while the Angels have stomped their competition with a dominate 60 runs scored. And this is WITHOUT Mike Trout for a bunch of those games. Scared yet Tiger fans?

Need more proof? With powerful sluggers like Yunel Escobar and Ben Revere, the Angels have out hit the Tigers 16 dingerz to 7 in that timeframe. Two weeks and 7 homeruns is just plain pitiful and puny.

We probably don’t even need to talk about the starting pitchers, but let’s go there anyway. Sure the Tigers pitching staff has a lower ERA, but we all know ERA is an over-rated stat. Do they have 2 pitchers on their staff leading the team that used to be relievers? That’s some pretty bad ass stuff. Besides, the Angels staff has a lower SIERA and we all that is a much cooler stat.

Question: How bad will the Angels crush the Tigers in this series?

GAME 1

JC Ramirez v. Michael Fulmer
Thursday, May 11th @ 7:07PM

Future Cy Young winner JC Ramirez

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

None, but there will be!

Summary:

JC Ramirez is the once and future ace of this pitching staff. He has impressive numbers like allowed only 5 total runs in his last 5 starts. He’s also averaging over a strikeout per inning so we can count on him mowing down some Tigers. Ramirez is 3-2 but with some run support should easily be boasting a 7-2 record right now.

Sure Michael Fulmer hasn’t allowed more than 3 runs in a start this year, but is that really relevant? I mean, the dude is only 23 and will surely cave under pressure when he has to face the a returning Mike Trout, a near 600 HR clean up hitter with years (and years) of wisdom, and the mighty lead off hitter Yunel Escobar.

Verdict: Five Homeruns and Fulmer will have his worst start of the year.

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GAME 2

Matt Shoemaker v. Ryan Zimmermann
Friday, May 12th @ 7:07PM

Shoey is the man. That is all.

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

Matt Shoemaker has been a bit up and down this year but over the past two seasons has allowed just 3 runs in his 3 starts against the Tigers. That pretty much counts as absolutely shutting them down and also came with 18 Ks and zero homeruns. He ain’t afraid of no Tigers.

Jordan Zimmermann is pretty much washed up. I mean, how else do you explain a 6.21 ERA, 1.530 WHIP, and 8 HRs allowed already this year? Somehow he is miraculously 3-1 on the season but has a -0.4 WAR and I’m pretty sure negative = bad.

Verdict: Shoemaker will crush the Tigers under his mighty cleats

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GAME 3

Ricky Nolasco v. Daniel Norris
Saturday, May 13th @ 6:07PM

Another Tiger cub on the mound

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

Ricky Nolasco struck out 10 batters his last trip to the mound. This dude is now dialed in and gunning for Detroit. Who cares if he was 0-3 against them in 2016 because we want to live in the present right? And in the present, Nolasco has it figured out.

Daniel Norris has walked 17 batters and given up 39 hits in his 31.2 innings pitched. He hasn’t really faced any of these Angels yet, but he’s sure gonna remember it once he does in his young career.

Verdict: Norris is going to feel the full force of a fully operational Angels offense

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GAME 4

Alex Meyer v. Justin Verlander
Sunday, May 14th @ 12:37PM

There is 13’2” among these two pitchers

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

Let’s face it, Alex Meyer has had a tough time adjusting as a starter for the Angels. But there is good news on the horizon since he pitched into the 6th inning his last time out. Justin Verlander is tall, but Meyer is taller. Taller means move leverage. More leverage equals more better.

Justin Verlander has been tough on this current Angels roster and many think he’s a pretty great pitcher. You know who doesn’t think that? Albert Pujols and his .333 average against him - that’s who. You know who else doesn’t think that? The Cleveland Indians who abused him for 9 runs and 3 dingerz a couple of weeks ago. The Angels have that same kind of power and he should fear them. I also hear we steal signs so look out whiner.

Verdict: May the taller pitcher win

Overall Verdict: A sweep is not too much to ask, right? Easy Peasy.