So it all comes down to this. Tonight is either the last game–and the last game post–of the season, or it’s the catapult into a deciding game 7 with our best postseason pitcher on the mound I like our chances to take this thing if we can make it to game 7, where the Rangers really don’t want to be facing the preternaturally calm Doug Fister. They really don’t
The odds are stacked against us tonight. We are in Arlington, where Texas loves to hit. AccuScore gives Texas a huge advantage (64%)…the ESPN fan poll likes us even less (Texas at 72% chance to win). And yet…
Alex Avila has this figured out. You see, there is Max Scherzer, who is a very analytical, calm pitcher. And then there is Mad Max. Avila says, it’s time for Mad Max.
And–as we have known all along–it’s all about the eyes. The analytical Max pitches with his blue eye, the intense Max with his brown eye. Says Avila: “He gets all jacked up and ready to go. He gets this look in his blue eye, then his brown eye starts twitching, and it doesn’t even matter what pitch I call. It seems like he comes out throwing great.” Let’s hope tonight the eyes have it.
In case Max goes all blue-eye tonight, warming up in the bullpen will be Rick Porcello. Kid Rick has never come out of the bullpen yet in his fledgling career. I’m guessing Ol’ Smokey ain’t expecting him to tonight either.
Player of the Pre-Game: Brandon Inge
Inge? Seriously? Yes. When Inge does hit, it is against lefties. And I just have a feeling. And besides I need something dramatic here for prediction parity with Kevin.
Today’s Naturally Cycling Lineup:
- Austin Jackson, CF
- Ryan Raburn, RF
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- Victor Martinez, DH
- Delmon Young, LF
- Jhonny Peralta, SS
- Alex Avila, C
- Brandon Inge, 3B
- Ramon Santiago, 2B
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