Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2011 17:14:03 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300]Los Angeles Dodgers (57-44) @ Atlanta Braves (43-58)[/shadow]
LAD: Matt Garza (9-6, 3.88 ERA)
ATL: Tommy Hanson (7-6, 3.22 ERA)
The Dodgers pitching staff has been on a roll the past week, with Atlanta's anemic offense contributing to that cause.
The Dodgers have allowed only 10 runs the past five days, half of that coming in the ninth inning of yesterday's game as Atlanta pulled out a 5-2 comeback victory.
Still, the Dodgers starting staff has allowed more than two runs only three times in the previous 10 days. This stretch has allowed the Dodgers to come within one game of the division-leading San Francisco Giants.
Three Dodgers starters have ERA's under 3.50, highlighted by Cy Young candidate Martin Perez. The Dodgers also have the second best bullpen in the NL as sinker/slider pitcher David Drier has been a revelation in the set up position.
With this pitching staff, Los Angeles has a terrific chance of capturing, not only a third NL Championship in four years, but a World Series as well.
However, their lineup is filled with defensive-oriented slap hitters and lacks juice. With Elian Herrera out of the game, only three hitters will play for the Dodgers with more than five home runs. Rebel Ridling, Luiz Ramon Arzeno, and Blake Smith all mash the ball, but the Dodgers don't get on base enough to be a scary offense.
That's good news for a Braves team that has played better of late, going 14-10 this month. Tommy Hanson is still an elite pitcher. His ERA and WHIP numbers are terrific, though the team doesn't score enough to get him wins. He's already pitched at home versus the Dodgers once this year, yielding only a run on two hits over 7 innings.
Questions for the GM's: For Tomas Bekker, there have been rumors that you have been interested in moving Matt Garza. What's the reasoning behind having him on the block?
You aren't getting much production outside of your four sluggers. What's the strategy behind having such an unbalanced lineup.
Talk about your bullpen. You have a bunch of live arms in the pen who all contribute in different ways. How did you put it all together.
For Anthony Valentine, you've played better over the past month after a dismal first half. What has been the reason for the turnaround?
They have three hitters who can really do damage, but six other ordinary hitters. Do you want Hanson challenging the big bats or should he play things more conservatively and nibble more?
You have a veteran team that's playing out the string. Do you keep your guys to reload next year, or do you blow things up at the deadline?
LAD: Matt Garza (9-6, 3.88 ERA)
ATL: Tommy Hanson (7-6, 3.22 ERA)
The Dodgers pitching staff has been on a roll the past week, with Atlanta's anemic offense contributing to that cause.
The Dodgers have allowed only 10 runs the past five days, half of that coming in the ninth inning of yesterday's game as Atlanta pulled out a 5-2 comeback victory.
Still, the Dodgers starting staff has allowed more than two runs only three times in the previous 10 days. This stretch has allowed the Dodgers to come within one game of the division-leading San Francisco Giants.
Three Dodgers starters have ERA's under 3.50, highlighted by Cy Young candidate Martin Perez. The Dodgers also have the second best bullpen in the NL as sinker/slider pitcher David Drier has been a revelation in the set up position.
With this pitching staff, Los Angeles has a terrific chance of capturing, not only a third NL Championship in four years, but a World Series as well.
However, their lineup is filled with defensive-oriented slap hitters and lacks juice. With Elian Herrera out of the game, only three hitters will play for the Dodgers with more than five home runs. Rebel Ridling, Luiz Ramon Arzeno, and Blake Smith all mash the ball, but the Dodgers don't get on base enough to be a scary offense.
That's good news for a Braves team that has played better of late, going 14-10 this month. Tommy Hanson is still an elite pitcher. His ERA and WHIP numbers are terrific, though the team doesn't score enough to get him wins. He's already pitched at home versus the Dodgers once this year, yielding only a run on two hits over 7 innings.
Questions for the GM's: For Tomas Bekker, there have been rumors that you have been interested in moving Matt Garza. What's the reasoning behind having him on the block?
You aren't getting much production outside of your four sluggers. What's the strategy behind having such an unbalanced lineup.
Talk about your bullpen. You have a bunch of live arms in the pen who all contribute in different ways. How did you put it all together.
For Anthony Valentine, you've played better over the past month after a dismal first half. What has been the reason for the turnaround?
They have three hitters who can really do damage, but six other ordinary hitters. Do you want Hanson challenging the big bats or should he play things more conservatively and nibble more?
You have a veteran team that's playing out the string. Do you keep your guys to reload next year, or do you blow things up at the deadline?