Series Preview: Red Sox at Diamondbacks (6/8-6/10)
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by user Tylersalt
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Boston Red Sox (38-21, 1st in AL East) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (36-25, 2nd in NL West)
The AL's best team heads down to the Arizona desert to take on the NL's hottest club to kick off phase two of the 2007 interleague schedule. Boston is in the middle of a very tough stretch of their schedule, going 4-6 over their last 10 against Oakland, New York, and Cleveland. However,they won their last game behind a one-hitter by ace and former Diamondback Curt Schilling (6-2). They look to improve their Major League-best 38-21 record against the young D-Backs.
The Diamondbacks are 8-2 over their last 10, with an 8-game winning streak being snapped last Saturday against the New York Mets. They currently sit a game behind the San Diego Padres for first place in the NL West, but have a tough stretch of games ahead of them facing every AL East team except for Toronto, then swinging right back into divisional play. Their offense has been paced by outfielder Eric Byrnes, who has posted a 1.12 WPA, best by an Arizona non-pitcher.
Game 1
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Boston's Josh Beckett once again tries for his ninth win of the season against zero losses. In what has to be considered a Cy Young-caliber campaign so far, Beckett seems to have exorcised the ghosts of last season, where he lead the AL in home runs allowed and posted 16 wins despite having an ERA over 5. So far Josh's K/BB is an extremely strong 3.69, his WHIP stands at 1.05, and the all important HR/9 is a miniscule 0.28. His GB/FB ratio right now is a career high 1.47, which could account for some of the success that he's had at limiting the longball. He has not fared well at all against the Diamondbacks in his career, going 0-3 in four starts with a 6.97 ERA in 20 2/3 innings. They've hit him at almost a .350 clip in those outings.
Arizona's Doug Davis has had considerably more success against the Red Sox than his opponent in this game, going 3-1 in 5 appearances (four starts) in his career, holding a 2.76 ERA in 29 1/3 innings. He's won his last two decisions, allowing only 2 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings combined against the Mets and Phillies. He does have some control problems, as his K/BB ratio is a mere 1.57, identical to his WHIP. Neither is a good number. He has not received much run support from his offense, either. Four of his six losses have been by 3 or fewer runs, including being shut out by the Colorado Rockies on May 23, all but one a quality start.
Key Performers: With the possibility of David Ortiz getting some time off in the NL park this weekend, Manny Ramirez must improve his 1-8 career mark against Davis. The only current Diamondback with any hits off of Beckett is Chad Tracy, at 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI.
Game 2
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Julian Tavarez has basically done his job at the back of the Boston rotation -- don't do too much damage. THe Red Sox are 5-5 in his 10 starts, the best one being a 2-1 win against the Detroit Tigers in mid-May in which he went 7 innings allowing only 4 hits. He has pitched better lately, not taking a loss since May 11. Tavarez lets the defense behind him do a great deal of the work, compiling a 1.91 GB/FB ratio and only a 5.67 K/9.
Micah Owings has been a good young arm for the Diamondbacks, going 4-1 in 9 appearances (8 starts). Two starts ago he pitched a complete game, and hasn't taken a loss since April 11th. His K/9 this year with the big club is 6.56. and his 1.79 K/BB leaves something to be desired. His WHIP is borderline acceptable at 1.39, and he's about even on GB/FB ratio. He generally fares better against righties.
Key Performers: Big lefty David Ortiz promises to be in the lineup against Owings, the lack of a DH spot notwithstanding. No current Diamondbacks have faced Tavarez.
Game 3
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Sox import Daisuke Matsuzaka is coming off a tough luck loss last outing against Oakland, and hasn't won since May 25th against the Texas Rangers. He's dead even on GB/FB, but is solid with a 3.30 K/BB and a decent 1.31 WHIP. He's been fairly unlucky so far, with a .326 BAA. When Matsuzaka remains ahead in the count he's been quite good, but has struggled a great deal when he gets to 3-ball counts.
Randy Johnson just passed Roger Clemens for second place on the all time career strikeout list in what is shaping up to be a great battle all season. Johnson holds a 15-7 career record against the Red Sox in his career with a 4.57 ERA. He has not won at Chase Field so far this season. His K/BB rate is a dominant 7.63 and he has been a big part of why the Diamondbacks have been successful lately.
Key Performers: Obviously none of the D-Backs have faced Matsuzaka, but switch hitter Orlando Hudson could give him problems from the left side of the plate, as can youngster Stephen Drew. Jason Varitek and the red-hot Kevin Youkilis are both hitting over .300 against Johnson in their careers.
It's good to be back!
