Posted:
#1
I've said this more than once this year, and I'll say it again: Javier Vazquez is among the most underestimated players in the game. It doesn't help that he underperformed during his stint with the Sox, as he and Ozzie apparently didn't get along very well, but that's besides the point here. Some surface stats: During the last two months, Vazquez has given up more than 3 runs in a game just once. During roughly the same period, he has walked more than two batters in a game just once and has struck out an average of a batter per inning.
And this has been the result of pure skill, as the underlying stats demonstrate: His hit rate against is 30%; his strand rate is 75%--both well within the norm.
The Phillies trot out J.A. Happ who has been very, very good since joining the rotation on May 23. He's not as good as his 2.75 ERA suggests, having enjoyed a favorable hit rate of just 26% and a strand rate of over 80%, which suggests he's due for some regression, but again: He has flashed solid skills.
The Phillies are the best road team in the Bigs, and they're always tough anyway with whatever lineup they start, but I'll take good pitching over good hitting any day of the week. And don't forget: Brad Lidge inexplicably remains the Phils' closer. That's another plus for Atlanta--or any opposing team.
I took Atlanta at -120.
Should be a great game to watch.
As usual, just MHO and my record is in my profile.
Best of luck to all, whichever side you play.
And this has been the result of pure skill, as the underlying stats demonstrate: His hit rate against is 30%; his strand rate is 75%--both well within the norm.
The Phillies trot out J.A. Happ who has been very, very good since joining the rotation on May 23. He's not as good as his 2.75 ERA suggests, having enjoyed a favorable hit rate of just 26% and a strand rate of over 80%, which suggests he's due for some regression, but again: He has flashed solid skills.
The Phillies are the best road team in the Bigs, and they're always tough anyway with whatever lineup they start, but I'll take good pitching over good hitting any day of the week. And don't forget: Brad Lidge inexplicably remains the Phils' closer. That's another plus for Atlanta--or any opposing team.
I took Atlanta at -120.
Should be a great game to watch.
As usual, just MHO and my record is in my profile.
Best of luck to all, whichever side you play.
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