Both the Giants and White Sox went 81-81 last season. The difference is the White Sox had a number of talented players who didn't perform as well as expected. They should have bounce backs seasons, while the Giants are simply a .500 team at best.

One of those White Sox players who should step up this season is the starting pitcher here, Michael Kopech. He has explosive stuff, but has been hampered by arm problems early in his career. Now he's healthy and ready to emerge just like his teammate Dylan Cease did last year.

I like Kopech more than Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani.

Kopech pitched better at home last season where he had a 3.37 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 127 strikeouts in 117 2/3 innings. DeSclafani was limited to only five starts last year due to injuries. He went 0-2 with a 6.63 ERA and had a 2.00 WHIP. His ERA in three spring training starts this season was 5.59.

The Giants are 12-39 the past 51 times when going against a starter with a WHIP of less than 1.15.

San Francisco has played three games this season and been shut out twice already. The Giants won't have catcher Joey Bart either. He was put on the injured list because of a strained back.