It Comes Down To This…

September 27, 2007 by Chris Hall

Three Games are all that remain in the regular season for the Diamondbacks.  The Rockies and the Padres can top out at 90 and 91 wins respectively, the D-Backs can top out at 92 wins.  If the D-Backs beat the Rockies in one game, they eliminate Colorado in the Division Race (D-Backs would have 90 wins and the Rockies could only reach 89). 

The task before the D-Backs is daunting.  They have to win a series against the hottest team in baseball to clinch a spot in the playoffs.  The pitching match-ups may provide a clue to the results of this weekend’s amazing series. 

 Webb v. Francis

Brandon Webb has struggled against the Rockies all year long.  In fact, he has yet to record a win against Colorado this year.  Despite his struggles, the D-Backs have to feel good about their ace starting on Friday.  A sinker-ball pitcher in Coors Field can never be a bad thing…

 In his last 2 starts, Francis has posted a 1.84 ERA against the Dodgers and the Padres.  He is the ace of the Rockies staff and the D-Backs need to chase him from the game in order to secure a victory. He is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA against Arizona in 2007.

 Gonzalez v. Redman

Sometimes he is a starter, sometimes he is a reliever.  Whatever the role, Gonzalez will win games if he gets run support.  Hopefully the blister on his pitching hand has healed, otherwise the game may be a long one for the D-Backs.

This is a chance for the D-Backs to catch a pitcher on short rest.  Redman will rest 3 days between starts and the last time the D-Backs faced a pitcher on short rest, they rocked Jake Peavy.  This elusive veteran will create problems for the D-Backs, but they have to find ways to put runs on the board and give Edgar some run support.

 Davis v. Jimenez

Davis has struggled a last few games.  After reviewing film, he realized his mechanics were off and he was tipping is curveball to hitters.  After correcting his problem, he went five strong innings in his last outing before being lifted for a pinch hitter in a crucial batting situation against the Pirates on Tuesday.  The D-Backs really need Davis to step up for the final game of the season.

Ubaldo Jimenez is a solid pitcher, yet he is prone to mistakes.  The D-Backs need to leap on bad pitches in the hitters-friendly confines of Coors Field.

Projection

The D-Backs win 2-of-3 and secure a place in the playoffs.  They got hot in Pittsburgh and the young bats tend to erupt in streaks.  It would be an anomaly if the D-Backs could not continue their hitting beyond Thursday morning. 

Posted in arizona diamondbacks, baseball