The Inside Pitch w/Josh Towers: Ep 11

Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the awards market around baseball and teams to fade for the rest of the season. Plus BEST BETS on updated season win totals!

📚 Summary

1. [0:03–1:51] Paul Skenes' Elite Performance
   Scott introduces Skenes' strong weekend performance: 7.2 innings, 2 hits, 1 unearned run, 7 K, 1 BB. His 1.88 ERA is second lowest in NL. Despite being 4-6, he's the Cy Young favorite (–185).

2. [1:51–3:41] Wins Aren’t Everything
   Josh reflects on Sidney Ponson's advice: focus on controllables like pitch quality. Highlights Skenes’ evolution: low WHIP, high efficiency, least hits allowed among leaders.

3. [3:41–5:14] Validating Skenes' Favoritism
   Josh supports current odds: Yamamoto (+450), Wheeler (+900) follow Skenes. Compares with Robbie Ray (8–1), highlighting Skenes' superior ERA and pitch quality.

4. [5:14–6:09] DeGrom Parallel & Skeens' Opponent Batting Averages
   Scott recalls Mets' losing record in DeGrom starts (2018–19) despite Cy Youngs. Josh notes Skenes’ progressive opponent BA drop from .333 to .033 from March to June.

5. [6:09–8:12] AL Cy Young Race: Skubal Dominates
   Skubal is a –175 favorite. 105 strikeouts, 7 walks in last 3 starts; FIP of 1.84 (lowest in MLB). Josh emphasizes Skubal’s intelligence and pitch control.

6. [8:12–10:21] Skubal vs. Fried Breakdown
   Detailed stat-by-stat comparison: ERA, innings, strikeouts (Skubal 105, Fried 77), WHIP, and batting averages—argument leans toward Skubal.

7. [10:21–13:26] Tigers' Contender Status
   Tigers lead MLB at 43–24 with +92 run differential. Josh praises their discipline and fundamentals, noting they’re third favorite (+475) for best season record.

8. [13:26–16:26] Dodgers in Turmoil
   Despite high expectations, Dodgers face injuries (14 pitchers on IL). Performance with RISP poor; Otani hasn’t pitched. Josh critiques bullpen use and rotation depth.

9. [16:26–19:54] Future Outlook & Betting Odds
   Dodgers and Tigers among easiest remaining schedules. Dodgers lag Mets and Tigers in wins. Mets praised for depth and bullpen conversion success.

10. [19:54–29:31] Phillies Plummet & NL Rankings
    Without Bryce Harper (wrist), Phillies go 1–9. Mets surge, now NL East favorites. Mets' depth, Alonzo's rebound (.301 BA), and Lindor’s homer streak boost team chemistry.

📌 Conclusion

Paul Skenes is firmly positioned as a front-runner for the National League Cy Young despite a 4-6 record due to elite ERA and command metrics. His development is lauded for maturity and efficiency rather than dominance alone. Similarly, Tarik Skubal and Max Fried headline the American League pitching elite, with deep statistical dives highlighting nuanced arguments for each. The Detroit Tigers are crowned as MLB's top team with a 43-24 record and strong fundamentals. The Mets and Cubs follow as key National League contenders. Injury-ridden Dodgers and the slipping Phillies raise concerns, while the Diamondbacks are viewed as likely sellers due to pitching losses and declining trajectory. The episode ends with betting insights on win totals and award races, notably advocating for Carlos Mendoza (Mets manager) at long odds for NL Manager of the Yea

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