3 Picks: Shields and Pettitte Get a Rematch

Saturday, July 21: Jered Weaver (6-5)(LAA) vs. Boof Bonser (5-6)(MIN)

Angels 2, Twins 5

(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Angels player of the game: (2B) Maicer Izturis - WPA +.112
2/3, 0R, 0HR, 0RBI, 0BB, 0SO
Angels lowest contributor: (RP) Scot Shields - WPA -.359
0.1IP, 3H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, 0SO, 1HR

Twins player of the game: (SP) Boof Bonser - WPA +.373
7.2IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR
Twins lowest contributor: (RP) Pat Neshek - WPA -.162
0.1IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR

Jered Weaver: 7.0IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 2SO, 2HR - ND
Scot Shields: 0.1IP, 3H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, 0SO, 1HR - L

Boof Bonser: 7.2IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - ND
Pat Neshek: 0.1IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - BS, W
Joe Nathan: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0SO, 0HR - SV

This game saw shoddy relief pitching on both sides as Scot Shields and Pat Neshek both undid their respective starters' efforts in just one-third of an inning of work. And in Neshek's case he records both the blown save and a win. Which I see has a flaw in how both the save and win stats are awarded.

Sunday, July 22: James Shields (8-5)(TB) vs. Andy Pettitte (5-6)(NYY)

Devil Rays 4, Yankees 21

(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Devil Rays player of the game: (2B) Josh Wilson - WPA +.155
2/4, 0R, 0HR, 2RBI, 0BB, 1SO
Devil Rays lowest contributor: (SP) James Shields - WPA -.557
3.1IP, 10H, 10R, 10ER, 4BB, 1SO, 1HR

Yankees player of the game: (SS) Derek Jeter - WPA +.122
1/3, 2R, 0HR, 1RBI, 1BB, 0SO
Yankees lowest contributor: (SP) Andy Pettitte - WPA -.097
6.0IP, 8H, 3R, 3ER, 3BB, 8SO, 1HR

James Shields: 3.1IP, 10H, 10R, 10ER, 4BB, 1SO, 1HR - L
Andy Pettitte: 6.0IP, 8H, 3R, 3ER, 3BB, 8SO, 1HR - W

Pettitte wins on a quality start with a little help from an offensive onslaught form the bombers. I'll be in the stands at his next start trying to figure out if there's any trace of his once dominant form.

Monday, July 23: Chris Capuano (5-6)(MIL) vs. Aaron Harang (10-2)(CIN)

Brewers 1, Reds 2

(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Brewers player of the game: (SP) Chris Capuano WPA +.442
8.0IP, 7H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 1HR
Brewers lowest contributor: (C) Johnny Estrada - WPA -.554
0/5, 0R, 0HR, 0RBI, 0BB, 1SO

Reds player of the game: (SP) Aaron Harang - WPA +.727
10.0IP, 7H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 10SO, 1HR
Reds lowest contibutor: (CF) Ryan Freel - WPA -.160
0/5, 0R, 0HR, 0RBI, 0BB, 2SO

Chris Capuano: 8.0IP, 7H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 1HR - ND
Grant Balfour: 0.0IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 0SO, 0HR - L

Aaron Harang: 10.0IP, 7H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 10SO, 1HR - ND
Jared Burton: 0.2IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 0SO, 0HR - W

Harang throws 10 innings and gets a no decision? That's a tough break.