The Round Up — May 30th
Recap of MLB News, Fantasy News, and Gambling Picks.
Power Rankings
It’s time for everyone’s favorite post of the week. Power Rankings. Once a week Major League Baseball comes out with a comprehensive list of the best teams to this point in the season. This time around the top 5 looks like this.
The Red Sox, Yankees, and Astros stay in the top 3, while the Brewers and the Braves round up the list. In our podcast that came out this weekend, the Caught Looking crew had a conversation about our own personal top tens. One of us thought that the Seattle Mariners should be in, while another thought the Cardinals should be in. There is always debate to be had, so hit us up on Twitter (@caughtlookinpod and let us know what you think.
Verlander Silences Yankees
Justin Verlander has a Cy Young, MVP, Rookie of the Year, and a World Series Ring. This is undoubtedly enough for a Hall of Fame bid. However, it seems like the 35 year old right hander will not be slowing down anytime soon. His stats for this year are astonishing, because he is 7–2 with a 1.11 ERA. He basically making hitters look silly. That’s exactly what he did to the Yankees on Monday afternoon, made them look silly. He walked into Yankee Stadium and allowed 1 run over 6 2/3 innings, and struck out 5. Justin Verlander has also been really good through the first half of the order. He has struck out 41 of the 108 batters he’s faced the first time through the lineup this season. That is absolutely filthy. Expect big things for the rest of the year.
Bryce & Machado In The Beltway Series
The two biggest fish in the market come this offseason did battle in the Beltway rivalry as Manny Machado and Bryce Harper squared off to see who deserves $400 million. It opened with Bryce smashing a bomb off Dylan Bundy, his 17th of the season, tying him for the league lead. Not to be outdone, Manny answered with a bomb of his own off former teammate Jeremy Hellickson, marking his 16th of the season. The two superstars both had multi-hit games, which is no surprise, but with the two squaring off, it ramped up the debate of who is more valuable? My gut says Harper, but if we dive into the numbers it appears Machado is having the superior season. His batting average, OBP, and OPS are all higher than Harper’s, while his power output has only been slightly behind the right fielder’s pace. Harper does have the advantage in terms of team record, but at an individual level, the debate rages on. Harper or Machado?
Mariners Stay Hot
The Seattle Mariners have been an amazing story this year, no hitters, suspension, and yes, winning. The Mariners now have won 9 of 10 and sit just a half game back of the Astros for first place, and they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, they may just now be hitting their stride. Dee Gordon has been out for the past few weeks, Nelson Cruz as struggled to stay healthy and be productive this year, and who can forget the loss of stud second basemen Robinson Cano. The M’s have made their mark this year without any great offensive contributions outside of Mitch Haniger, instead they’ve gotten it done with excellent pitching. They boast a deep rotation and outstanding bullpen, closer Edwin Diaz has been a revelation. He has a tidy 1.59 ERA to go along with 19 saves. (most in the MLB) Add to that, new acquisition Alex Colome and they have the makings of a real contender come October. Watch out for the boys up in Seattle, they are not going to go away quietly.
Mets Are In Trouble
The sky is falling in flushing. The atrocity of the New York Mets bullpen has lost them 4 games on this road trip alone, and it’s been absolutely heartbreaking. This team is most likely a week more of this type of losing from breaking. Now at .500, Noah Syndergaard landed on the ten day DL with a finger issue. Although he might not miss a lot of time, they need every start from him right now. Steven Matz left yesterday’s game with a finger issue as well. This team is not yet a third of the way through the year, but they are at a pivotal point. They need to win games, and fast.
Fantasy News
Brandon Nimmo
Out of the ruins of the last two weeks the Mets have had, Brandon Nimmo has emerged as an absolute stud. He’s playing every day now, and producing more than anyone in the Mets above average outfield. He’s not going anywhere either when Yoenis Cespedes comes back either, as he’s going to get time most days as Jay Bruce starts to play more first base. With 10 points yesterday, Brandon Nimmo is worthy of being on a fantasy roster in deeper leagues. Give him a look and look at his last couple games if this isn’t persuasive enough.
Gambling Picks
Scaf’s Picks
We had a not so hot day on Monday, we went 0–3. Reeeealy not good. Let’s turn it around today. Today’s picks are:
- Toronto Blue Jays (+160)
- Cleveland Indians (-300)
- Milwaukee Brewers (+100)
Balzy’s Beat The Streak Pick
We have some ground breaking developments over here at Caught Looking. Our “Beat the Streak” picker, Joe “Balzy” Balzano is on an historic streak. He is on FIRE. 10 games in a row he has chosen correct. Watch out Joe Dimaggio cause we are on your heels. Today’s picks are Mookie Betts and Josh Donaldson. #RoadTo56
Streak Counter — 10
Bonus
Anthony Rizzo’s Slide
The baseball world has been exploding over this. During the Pirates v.s Cubs game, Anthony Rizzo had a controversial slide at home plate to break up a double play. He actually injured the Pirates catcher on the play. The umps reviewed the play mid-game and found that the slide was legal. Here’s the photo, you can decide for yourself.
We polled our Twitter followers, and they overwhelmingly chose dirty.
Goodest Boys Ever
Here is a picture of two dogs at a baseball game. I don’t have an explanation for this besides the fact that these are the best dogs I have ever seen. You’re welcome.
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