Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
October 03, 2008
Playoffs Today

Ken Griffey Jr. won't play tonight as lefty Scott Kazmir takes on fellow lefty Mark Buehrle. Two things are going against Mark as he makes this start. First, his road record is poor, 4-9 with a 5.05 ERA. While he gives up fewer hits than innings pitched at home, he allowed 135 hits in 103 1/3 innings away from Chicago. He also pitched poorly against Tampa Bay. Again, it was hits allowed that caused his downfall. The Rays collected 25 hits in 19 2/3 innings to hang a 4.58 ERA on Mark. They only hit one home run, however.

Buehrle does have post-season success, however. In 23 1/3 playoff innings he's walked just one batter.

Kazmir presents the opposite picture. Scott pitches much better at home, posting a 2.90 ERA at the Trop. He allows many fewer hits, but many more walks at home. He also pitched well against Chicago this season with a 2.08 ERA over 13 innings. He held the White Sox to just seven hits.

On the west coast, Daisuke Matsuzaka takes on Ervin Santana in the game of the three-A last names. Dice-K won all his road decisions this season, as opponents hit just .178 against him outside of Fenway. If the Angels do get on, especially if Matsuzaka is wild, look for them to run. Six of seven base stealers found success against Matsuzaka on the road, and 15 of 20 overall.

Santana showed great stamina this season. His batting average allowed and OBA allowed do not deteriorate until he hits 105 pitches in a game. Batters do find more power once he gets above 75 pitches. If he's facing one of the Boston power hitters late in the contest, we'll see if Mike Scioscia pulls him at that point.

Enjoy!


Posted by David Pinto at 04:10 PM | League Division Series | TrackBack (0)
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