Samsung is the team I think has the most upside of all the “contenders” (in their current form) but Hanwha is the team I like the best of the teams on the outside looking in.  Hanwha has finished 9th or 10th in KBO every year since 2018 and way out of the mix for a playoff spot so it's already a huge accomplishment that the Eagles are just 2.5 games back of a playoff spot on September 1st. 

I also think virtually every game will feel like a playoff game for Hanwha the rest of the way as we are up to the “make up” portion of the schedule and not every team plays every day.  Hanwha has a full week but one that goes one at home to Doosan, two away to Kia and three away to LG Twins so every game will have a huge feel and it's paramount the Eagles win their lone home game here.

I think Hanwha does just that, Dong-Ju Moon has looked far better since the All-Star break as the 20 year old flame thrower has re-discovered his form that make him one of the top prospects in the league last year.  Moon is on a run of 5 straight starts where he's allowed two runs or less and has back to back quality starts entering play here.  

I also think Moon's poor numbers against Doosan are deceiving as he hasn't faced the Bears since June, prior to the All-Star Break which seemed to re-fuel Moon and spark this turnaround.  I think this is the best version of Moon Doosan will see this season and I expect better results because of it here.

Even if Moon isn't lights out there's a good chance Hanwha hits Won-Joon Choi who has fallen off in the past couple seasons and has a 6.54 ERA this year.  Choi will be 30 in December and I don't see him ever rediscovering the consistency he had in this league in his mid-20's yet he was good enough for long enough in his career where he still garners some respect from bookmakers. 

Doosan has big time issues with pitching right now, the Bears have lost three straight and are on the fringe of falling out of a playoff spot while Hanwha (not expected to win anything) is playing with “house money” at this point.  I love the vibe of this Hanwha team right now, I expect a big crowd in their only home game this week adn the Eagles ride that momentum to a win here.

Play on Hanwha Eagles -125 for 4% (or 4 units)