Minnesota at Cleveland

Are we crazy backing Minnesota here? They are on a down streak having lost seven of nine games. But, hang on - three of those losses came to Detroit in Detroit. All three were one-run losses. They then won their series against the Angles. The last series, against Toronto was an absolute disaster for sure. But Minnesota isn't as bad as it initially looks. They are only three wins away from a .500 road record and they are a winning team vs. right-handed pitchers. They have had an extra day here to recoup and rest for this game. Cleveland has had their own struggles of late. They have lost four of six. In their last four games they have managed just 20 total hits. While Paul Byrd has a better record than Boof Bonser, Bonser has the better numbers. His overall ERA is better and his road ERA (4.63) is better than Byrd's home ERA (5.67). Bonser is coming off a couple of gems vs. Oakland and the Angels (14 innings with 7 SO and 3 BB and 5 runs). Minnesota's offense can keep up with Cleveland's. We think Minnesota, coming off a terrible series and four straight losses and in need of a win will come in rested and focused. Cleveland is also coming in off a crushing loss to Boston. They were out-hit 17-6. The Tribe is just 4-14 in their last eighteen games at home following a defeat in which they were out-hit by double digits. They are also just 17-25 overall at home in July the past three seasons. Minnesota is 34-25 vs. teams at 54%+ the past two seasons. Cleveland appears to be in the middle of a nice July slump and we'll fade them here.