For rotisserie baseball and MLB baseball odds mastery alike, here are Friday's Pitcher's Report Cards.
BOSTON RED SOX @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Friday, May 21, 7:05 p.m. ET
John Lackey (4-2, 4.86 ERA)
Like most of Boston's staff, John Lackey has fallen short of MLB betting expectations so far this season. He built momentum through late April and early May but has been tagged for 11 earned runs in 13 innings over his last two starts. A big reason for his struggles is a surprising lack of command; Lackey generally only walks 40 or 50 guys in a full season, yet he's already issue 21 free passes in just 50 innings this year. Friday will mark his first career trip to Citizen's Bank Park.
Cole Hamels (4-2, 4.29 ERA)
2010 has been a frustrating ride for talented but maddening lefty Cole Hamels. While he's improved of late, allowing three or fewer runs in three straight starts, he's having major problems with the long ball, allowing nine in 50.1 innings this season. Homers could come into play again on Friday night. Hamels won his only career start against Boston, allowing two runs in seven innings, but he gave up two solo jacks.
NEW YORK YANKEES @ NEW YORK METS
Friday, May 21, 7:10 p.m. ET
Javier Vazquez (2-4, 8.01 ERA)
I still don't know why Yankees' GM Brian Cashman thought Javier Vazquez's mental makeup would magically cure itself in his second go-round with the New York Yankees. He's predictably been a disaster in 2010, allowing eight homers in 30.1 innings and treating opponents to a .306 average. In theory, the Mets could be just what the doctor ordered, as Vazquez has 3.37 lifetime ERA against them, but his 9.35 ERA at home this season makes this sports betting blog wonder if he's better across town.
Hisanori Takahashi (3-1, 3.12 ERA)
Sure, Mr. Takahashi has never started a major-league game. But why not toss him against the world champs for his debut? The Mets have nothing to lose given their current struggles at the sportsbook. Takahashi has walked 14 guys in just 26 innings but he's also been a power pitcher, whiffing 33 batters over that span. If nothing else, he should be exciting on Friday night.
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