Justin Verlander has a career era of 4.50ish against the Indians, over a full run more per nine innings than against the rest of the league. I was shocked to see this stat. I’m curious what thoughts people have about this. On the one hand, I like that a fierce competitor like Verlander is going to have a chance to atone for his struggles. He should be extra juiced up to prove he can control their lineup. On the other hand I don’t like that guys like Lindor and Ramirez who have great career numbers on him may come in confident. Ramirez is in a slump though right now and Cleveland has some real playoff ghosts in their past ala the Houston oilers of the 90s so maybe their fear of continued playoff failure will outweigh their own track records against Justin?
He's faced the Indians zero times with the Astros. Last year he had 2 terrible starts against them and 2 great starts. In 2016 he had 3 great and 2 terrible. Not sure any of it actually applies.
Chisenhall kills him, he's on the DL. Donaldson, Lindor and Ramirez have hit him well. Obviously we should only start him at MMP and angle for a 1-0 game.
Hopefully our offense is humming ? Fortunately, Lindor/Edwin/Ramirez/Donaldson's production all falloff in the postseason. All are sub.800 OPS (Ramirez is .561) except Josh, who happens to be having the worst season of them all... and their worst production has occurred in their most recent series. Hopefully said trend continues.
Quit your fear mongering @rdsgonzo13 Leave the past in the past where it belongs. P.S. nice job predicting the As to win the division.