THE BOBBER
Game: Arizona Diamondbacks @ Kansas City Royals
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks (-120) ML
Analysis: Quality young starter Ian Kennedy takes the mound tonight for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the older, less productive Jeff Francis. Arizona has overtaken first place in the National League West by going 6-4 in their last ten games, and are coming off a win yesterday against the Royals. Kansas City represents the opposite end of the spectrum, sitting in last place of their division while going 4-6 over the last 10 games, including the current three game skid they are currently experiencing. Jeff Francis has been absolutely dreadful against this projected Arizona lineup, as they have scorched him for a .374 batting average and 16 RBI’s in 91 at-bats; this calculates out to an ERA of 5.80 for Francis. Furthermore, Francis has ERA’s this season of 3.35 at home, 4.53 at night, and 6.48 in June. Over the past three seasons, Francis tallied a 5.03 ERA at home, 5.19 ERA at night, and 5.22 ERA in June. In that same time frame, he has gone 0-4 in five starts against Arizona, recording a paltry 9.12 ERA. In two starts at home against Arizona, Francis was 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA. Ian Kennedy, on the other hand, has been on an absolute tear this season, going 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA on the road, 6-2 with a 3.12 ERA at night, and 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA in June. Kennedy has faced only four KC hitters in the past, who are a combined 2-12 with no RBI’s. This match-up bodes well for Arizona, and with the line at a surprisingly low -120, Bobber recommends a strong play on the Arizona Diamondbacks.