Game 1 Preview
By Fetch
Tonight the Twins open up the season against the LA Angels. I’ll be previewing each game by posting the teams offense (wOBA) defense (UZR), rotation and bullpen (tRA or FIP) and total runs above average, but since there is no data we obviously can’t do that yet.
Tonight’s starters are:
Scott Baker: 4.08 FIP, 7.29 k/9, 2.16 BB/9, 200 IP, 3.5 WAR (2009 numbers)
Jered Weaver: 4.04 FIP, 7.42 k/9, 2.82 BB/9, 211 IP, 3.9 WAR
The pitchers are, on the surface, quite equal. Given that each is a flyball pitcher, and each has (probably) suspect outfield defense, it will be interesting to see what happens there.
Offensively the Twins are (probably) the better team, but don’t sleep on the Angels. While most people have either the Mariners or the Rangers picked to win the division, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Angels win it again.
Opening day starts in about 10 hours (9:05 PM, ESPN). Go Twins.