The Dbacks start a 3-game series vs. the vastly underachieving Phillies (who are at this moment of posting 13-17, in 4th place, 6 GB the Braves in the NL East). Jimmy Rollins (not Ryan Howard) has been carrying the offensive load while crafty veteran Jamie Moyer and up-and-coming Cole Hamels has helped solidified their starting rotation.
This series is crucial for the Dbacks because after Wednesday's matinee game (and Thursday's day off), they embark on a 10-day 9-game 3-city road trip versus the Astros, Rockies, and Pirates.
Doug Davis gets the start tomorrow and he has made tremendous progress over his last few outings. Similar to most of his fellow starters, he's been victimized by a lack of run support and mental lapses by the defense behind him.
He's matched-up against Freddy Garcia, who has struggled during the beginning stages of his transition into the NL. Let's examine just the basic stats:
DOUG DAVIS
2-3 2.25 (28/19 Ks/BB Ratio)
vs.
FREDDY GARCIA
1-2 6.05 (19/6 Ks/BB Ratio)
Garcia has been horrid thus far for the Phillies who anticipated him becoming the ace-of-the-staff after above-average seasons with Mariners and White Sox. Yet, it does take awhile for AL career pitchers to make the proper adjustments into the other league.
If the Dbacks want to finally jump-start their stagnant offense, then this is the pitcher they must "tee-off" on. Melvin better continue hitting Young lead-off and he should eventually place Quentin in the clean-up spot with Byrnes and CoJack following him in that order.
The Phillies can be exactly what the Dbacks ordered in many ways. A team whose offense has been lacking, starting pitching has been very erratic, with their only reliable closer on the DL. If the Dbacks fail to win this series, then the brass must begin to question Bob Melvin's fate. Time to capitalize against a struggling team..especially w/in the friendly confines of your own home.
This series is crucial for the Dbacks because after Wednesday's matinee game (and Thursday's day off), they embark on a 10-day 9-game 3-city road trip versus the Astros, Rockies, and Pirates.
Doug Davis gets the start tomorrow and he has made tremendous progress over his last few outings. Similar to most of his fellow starters, he's been victimized by a lack of run support and mental lapses by the defense behind him.
He's matched-up against Freddy Garcia, who has struggled during the beginning stages of his transition into the NL. Let's examine just the basic stats:
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DOUG DAVIS
2-3 2.25 (28/19 Ks/BB Ratio)
vs.
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FREDDY GARCIA
1-2 6.05 (19/6 Ks/BB Ratio)
Garcia has been horrid thus far for the Phillies who anticipated him becoming the ace-of-the-staff after above-average seasons with Mariners and White Sox. Yet, it does take awhile for AL career pitchers to make the proper adjustments into the other league.
If the Dbacks want to finally jump-start their stagnant offense, then this is the pitcher they must "tee-off" on. Melvin better continue hitting Young lead-off and he should eventually place Quentin in the clean-up spot with Byrnes and CoJack following him in that order.
The Phillies can be exactly what the Dbacks ordered in many ways. A team whose offense has been lacking, starting pitching has been very erratic, with their only reliable closer on the DL. If the Dbacks fail to win this series, then the brass must begin to question Bob Melvin's fate. Time to capitalize against a struggling team..especially w/in the friendly confines of your own home.
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