Series Preview: Angels @ Red Sox (Taking a Big Papi)

Guess who has the fortunate unfortunate luck of playing the Red Sox during the David Ortiz number retirement ass-kissing party? Yep! That would be the Angels and we all get to hear about how amazing Ortiz was during his career and will hear no mention about his failed drug test back in 2003. After all, the MLB commissioner is hearing none of that. (though he will gladly still railroad Pete Rose)

The Big Papi show and David Ortiz Way aside, this could be an audition for Yunel Escobar as the new Red Sox Third Baseman. I’m not sure who they have left to give after draining their farm for Chris Sale, but they are in the hunt for a new guy at third and Escobar is expendable (in my mind). Wouldn’t he fit in nicely there??

The Angels have yet to play the Red Sox in 2017 and were 3-4 against them in 2016.

During the month of June, the Sox have been struggling and are 13th in batting average and 14th in total runs scored. The Angels sit at 9th in both of those categories for the month of June.

Despite having names like Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, David Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Drew Pomeranz, the Red Sox and Angels are nearly neck and neck in many pitching stats so far in June. In fact, let’s have some fun with this.

Whose pitching line is whose?

JUNE (All pitchers)
ERA 4.24, K 159, AVG .272, WHIP 1.42
ERA 4.27, K 162, AVG .274, WHIP 1.39

2017 (Just relievers)
ERA 2.99, K 226, AVG .233, WHIP 1.21
ERA 3.61, K 272, AVG .233, WHIP 1.18

Considering the Red Sox have Chris Sale AND Craig Kimbrel on their roster, the similarities in these stats are pretty amazing.

Series Question: Can get through the Ortiz talk this weekend without hurling?

GAME 1

Alex Meyer v. Rick Porcello
Friday, June 23rd @ 4:10PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Are we seeing the dawn of the Alex Meyer era? Over his last 4 games, Meyer has throw 22.2 innings and allowed 4 ER while striking out 27. Of course he also walked 12 so is still having issues there. He hasn’t faced the Red Sox yet in his career.

Rick Porcello was 22—4 with a 3.15 ERA in 2016. This year? Not so hot. He has a 5.05 ERA and 1.532 WHIP - both the highest numbers in his career. Although he lasted 6+ innings in each of them, he has been hammered his last 4 games, giving up 20 runs in 24.1 innings. He also has given up 6 HR in those 4 games. Will Revere and Pennington both get to start against Porcello given their success against him? Magic 8 Ball says unlikely (because Mike Scioscia).

Verdict: It’s Ortiz’s special night and baseball has a way of magic happening the way it should at the right time but I’m hoping for an upset and an Angels win here to rain on the Boston parade.

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GAME 2

JC Ramirez v. David Price
Saturday, June 24th @ 4:15PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats:

Summary:

Ok JC Ramirez, it’s time to not be a pumpkin anymore. Three of his last 4 starts have been pretty rough and he’s given up 16 runs over 14 innings. He did have a great start against the Yankees last week. Last year over 4 innings in 4 games, Ramirez didn’t allow a run against the Red Sox.

Like Porcello, David Price has been a let down for the Red Sox this year and he also has the worst numbers of his career, although he’s only started 5 games. Over his last 3 games, Price has allowed 12 runs and 5 homers over 16 innings.

Verdict: This game is probably a toss up and really depends on which version of both pitchers shows up.

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GAME 3

Parker Bridwell v. Cy Rookie Hector Velazquez
Sunday, June 25th @ 10:35AM

Summary:

It’s a rookie rookie matchup with Bridwell getting his 3rd start of the year. So far in his 2 starts, he’s given up 5 runs over 11 innings, which is decent. Did you know Bridwell is actually the Angels #10 prospect on MLB.com?

Hector Velazquez is a 28 year old rookie who will be making his 3rd career start. So far in his two starts, he’s given up 8 runs in 10.1 innings (against the A’s and Royals). In AAA this year, he has a 1.29 ERA in 49 innings.

Verdict: Assuming the Angels don’t get a case of Cy Rookie-itis, they have a good shot at winning this one. Don’t forget to wake up earlier to catch this one!

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Overall Verdict: The Angels could take this series and win back to back series on the road before heading off to play the red hot Dodgers. Maybe not a sweep but certainly a good chance in games 1 and 3 here at least.