If the Guardians want to make September baseball meaningful, they absolutely need to find a way to win this series against the Rangers.
The Guardians are 64-62 with a -35 run differential, 27th in wRC+ at 87, seventh in baserunning runs above average at 5.7, seventh in Defense at -1.5, 22nd in starting pitching FIP at 4.38, and third in bullpen FIP at 3.65.
The Rangers are 63-66 with a +47 run differential, 26th in wRC+ at 90, tenth in baserunning runs above average at 4.8, sixth in Defense at -0.5,
seventh in starting pitching FIP at 3.95, and 15th in bullpen FIP at 4.02.
These look to be evenly matched teams in most spots, but the Rangers have a significant starting pitching advantage.
MATCHUPS:
Game One, Friday, 8:05PM EDT: Slade Cecconi, RHP, 4.85 FIPvs. Nate Eovaldi, RHP, 2.90 FIP
Game Two, Saturday, 7:05PM EDT: Logan Allen, LHP, 4.24 FIP vs. Jack Leiter, RHP, 4.62 FIP
Game Three, Sunday, 2:35PM EDT: Gavin Williams, RHP, 4.49 FIP vs. Merrill Kelly, RHP, 5.39 FIP
The Guardians are led by Jose Ramirez at 137 wRC+, Kyle Manzardo at 116 wRC+, CJ Kayfus at 108 wRC+ and Steven Kwan at 104 wRC+.
The Rangers are led by Corey Seager at 134 wRC+, Rowdy Tellez at 112 wRC+, Wyatt Langford at 111 wRC+, Evan Carter at 107 wRC+ and Josh Smith at 104 wRC+.
At this point, I am ready to just sit back and enjoy baseball. Zero expectations, just hoping for the best.
