Stream Police: Jeremy Guthrie, stealth righty
The Thursday slate should be a rich and entertaining one. Thirteen games are on the docket, with a 12-hour spread in starting times. Something for everybody.
Easy Street
Phil Hughes vs. TOR
Wandy Rodriguez vs. MIL
Anibal Sanchez vs. OAK
Rodriguez and Sanchez are long gone in most formats, but it's possible their resurgences were ignored in your pool. Every league is different. Hughes had his turn pushed back a day after Tuesday's rainout.
Fascination Street
Jaime Garcia vs. HOU
Jeremy Guthrie vs. CWS
Barry Zito vs. COL
Ross Detwiler vs. LAD
When Garcia is on his game, the opponent and park hardly matter. When he's out of sorts, he gets knocked around in Petco Park (witness the Sept. 10 appearance). This ideal matchup against Houston breaks the tie; use him. … Sometimes you watch Zito and wonder how he gets anyone out. But at home and against that awful Colorado road offense, maybe he can coax out a quality turn. … I wonder if the Orioles regret landing Joe Saunders rather than Guthrie, their old righty. The Colorado escapee has been terrific in seven of his last eight turns, allowing just five runs over those specific outings. The White Sox haven't figured him out yet: 23.2 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 15 K. Through the quirks of the schedule, they're facing him for the fourth time in six weeks. … The Dodgers have been the worst offensive club in the majors this month, a selling point for Detwiler.
Mean Street
Clayton Richard at ARI
Mike Fiers at PIT
Bud Norris at STL
Tyler Cloyd at NYM
Tommy Milone at DET
Norris has turned the corner nicely over the last month (3.38/1.17), but how much help will he get from the Houston offense? … The Milone story is well-documented: smooth sailing at home (2.68/1.01) and jagged edges on the road (5.13/1.50). He handled Detroit easily back in May, but that was an Oakland turn.
Shakedown Street
Francisco Liriano at KC
Jeremy Hefner vs. PHI
Corey Kluber vs. MIN
Jorge De La Rosa at SF
If you want Mr. Liriano's Wild Ride to determine your championship fate, that's your business. None for me, thanks.
