Some would say that the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry is one of the best in sports, if not the best. I would be one of those people. I didn’t get into baseball until I got to high school, and since I live in the middle of Kansas, I mostly got Royals games on radio and TV. So I liked to follow the Royals until about June or so, and then I would try to follow the best players and teams. I quickly grew to despise the Yankees, and I started following this short pitcher from the Dominican who pitched for the Red Sox. You may have heard of this Pedro Martinez fellow. With that, the rest is history. Just don’t bring up Aaron Boone to me, please. Even with the 2004 championship that reversed the curse, it’s still just too much to think of that Game 7 in the 2003 ALCS. His name is still Aaron !@#$ing Boone to me. Anyhow, the reason I bring it up is because the two pitchers I’m covering for today are from these two teams. So, on to tomorrow’s streaming pitchers!
Streaming Pitchers: 6/24/2014
Adam Warren vs. PHI
Adam Warren has had his struggles adjusting to being a full-time starter. His first six starts were a bit of a struggle, having only 4.65 K/9 to go with a 3.77 BB/9 and a 4.65 ERA. But since May 13, he’s improved greatly, with rates of 6.65 K/9, 2.35 BB/9, a 42.6% ground ball rate, and a 2.93 ERA. He’s still got a little too much of a fly ball tendency, especially pitching half his games in the hitter haven that is Yankee Stadium. I still think that, even if the game is in Yankee Stadium like this one is, if the matchup is right, you have to give him a whirl. This one is a must start, since he gets to face the Phillies, who are a 71 wRC+ on the road and a 69 wRC+ against righties. Any time you get a righty against Philly, go for it.
Clay Buchholz vs. BAL
This matchup might not seem like a good idea on the surface. Baltimore has had a pretty good offense this year, but most of their damage has been at Camden Yards. They have a wRC+ of 112 at home but it’s only 84 on the road. Also, Clay’s seemingly had his issues in his two starts before the one against the Braves back on last Thursday. Those ERA numbers are deceptive though, as they have been all year for him. Clay’s still pitching like a borderline ace, with an 8.79 K/9, a 2.30 BB/9 and a 49.8% ground ball rate. If you feel like the BABIP gods will be on his side tomorrow, then you’ve got a chance at a sneaky good matchup.
Main Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
