The American League Central pits the Chicago White Sox against the Kansas City Royals today in our game of the day. Both the Royals and White Sox have a chance of winning a wide open race in the Central. The game starts at 8:11 pm EST at US Cellular Field in Chicago.
TV: FSKC – Kansas City,WGN – Chicago, On the Net – MLB.tv
Radio: The Royals can be heard on the Royals Radio Network throughout the Midwest in 8 states. The White Sox can be heard on WSCR 670, WRTO 1200 in Chicago, and as always you can catch the game on MLB Game Day Audio
Here’s a closer fantasy look at the game of the day!
Probable White Sox starting pitcher: RHP Gavin Floyd (17-8, 3.84 ERA in 2008)
Coming on the heels of a breakout season in 2008, the right-handed Floyd moves into the second spot of the starting rotation. He has a 1-3 lifetime record with a 3.62 ERA against the Royals, but also has a 10-6 career mark with a 4.25 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field. Floyd entered the 2008 season with eight career victories in 40 appearances, of which 29 were starts, but led the team with 17 wins in 33 starts. Floyd also held opponents hit less through seven innings twice, coming within two outs of no-hitting the Twins on May 6. His 206 1/3 innings pitched and 145 strikeouts also stood as career highs – as reported by Scott Merkin who covers the White Sox for MLB.com
Probable Royals starting pitcher: RHP Zack Greinke (13-10, 3.47 ERA in 2008)
From Sam Mellinger’s Blog - Greinke is the Royals’ best starter, or at least the one with the brightest future, and the guy who will be starting opening days when and if the Royals put themselves into contention the next few years.
He signed the $38 million deal in the off season, and it’s no coincidence that he’s coming off a terrific season in which he looked to be (finally) fulfilling the potential that so many see in him.
In his age 24 season, Greinke won 13 games, went over 200 innings, struck out 183, with a 3.47 ERA and 123 ERA+. A really nice season, no matter how you look at it, and one that has at least a few “experts” predicting he’ll win the Cy Young — this year.
Who’s hot: No one is smoking here yet after 1 game. 3B Alex Gordon did have a hr and 2 rbi’s last night, but also struck out twice. C Miguel Olivo had a single and a double, but he too struck out twice. 2B Mark Teahen had a double and a walk.
Worth keeping an eye on: 2B Mark Teahen. Teahan had a hot spring and if he can handle 2B he could be a real steal at 2B for many fantasy owners. At age 27 he is entering his prime and could be in for a solid season. Think .280-75-17-60-10, not bad at all.
Fantasy pitching studs for the White Sox: SP John Danks is about to arrive as a stud. SP Gavin Floyd and SP Mark Buehrle are good enough for the middle of your fantasy rotation, but you don’t want any of them as your ace. Closer Bobby Jenks isn’t an elite closer, but is solid enough to be your 2nd closer.
Who’s hot: RP Octavio Dotel struck out the side in the 8th inning and was credited with the win, scoring 14 points in the effort. Closer Bobbt Jenks struck out 1 and gave up a harmless hit in the 9th inning last night to record a save, earning him 13 points.
Worth keeping an eye on: RP Matt Thornton. Right now Thornton only offers a little value in deep leagues, however if something happens to Bobby Jenks, it would be Thornton, not Dotel, who gets the call in the 9th.
Fantasy pitching studs for the Royals: SP Gil Meche and SP Zack Greinke. These guys are fringe studs at best, but still warrant the title. Meche at age 30 has established himself over the last 2 season. Greinke at age 25 found himself last season after spending 2007 in the bullpen. It sure seems like just the beginning for him.
Who’s hot: Gil Meche was strong last night, yet was denied a win thanks to RP Kyle Farnsworth. Meche scattered 7 hits over 7 innings, issued no walks while striking out 6 in a quality start. This effort, despite no win gave him 25 points in our leagues.
Worth keeping an eye on: SP Kyle Davies. Like Greinke, Davies is also 25 years old, however is not nearly as talented. Still, he has secured the #3 spot in the rotation and could put up so middle of rotation type numbers for fantasy squads. I’m seeing him on the free agent lists in most leagues, so you should monitor his progress closely.
Fantasy Players to just stay away from: CWS – OF Dewayne Wise. Yes, he is the lead off hitter in Chicago…for now. Last night’s 3 strikeout performance is a pretty good indicator of what you will get with him. He makes Jerry Owens look like Rickey Henderson. Just stay away. KC – SP Sidney Ponson. After a solid WBC performance the Royals are gambling that Sir Sidney will help carry them to a title. Don’t be fooled like the Royals, this is the same old crappy Sidney Ponson that he’s always been.
WHAT’S NEW: The Royals aren’t so bad! That is new. Kansas City has had little to get excited about for many years, but this year may change things. Some people are predicting to win the division ala Tampa Bay, which may be to early for that. They just aren’t as talented as the Rays – but don’t let me rain on the parade, they could certainly make some noise in the AL Central this season.
KEY STAT: Chicago won 12 of its 18 match-ups with the Royals last season and is 36-20 against them since the start of the 2006 campaign, including a 21-8 mark in the Windy City in that time.
CONNECTIONS: White Sox OF Jermaine Dye played for the Royals from 1997 to 2001. Royals catcher Miguel Olivo played for the White Sox from 2002 to 2004. White Sox DH Jim Thome and Royals OF Coco Crisp played together for the Cleveland Indians in 2002. Royals Battery Olivo and SP Gil Meche played together on the 2004-2005 Seattle Mariners.
Welcome back baseball! It’s game 2 between the Royals and White Sox. White Sox took a great game 1 of the series with a 4-2 win, thanks to an 8th inning Jim Thome 3-run hr off of RP Kyle Farnsworth. Thanks for checking out Baseballinstinct.com and check back for more game of the day articles.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Die Sox.
“Die Sox, Die KC”, said the tiger fan.
I was psyched for the Royals win on the delayed opening day. Watched online as Farnsworth blew it. It crushed me. I can’t afford to take them all this hard.
Insult to injury, Alexei Ramirez did nothing for my MLB fantasy team.
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