Arizona is struggling so far this year ... SP A. Kennedy's lack of production has really put a damper on this team as he was sort of their anchor last season. The D'backs have improved somewhat in their past 3 series, however, they reverted back to their lowly ways against Giants starter B. Zito.
San Fran is rolling out a dynamite starter in Vogelsong - he has really pitched well against good teams at home. Arizona's SP J. Saunders has struggled as of late - but he can be pretty good when his breaking ball is on.
Let's move away from the starting pitching match-up as there are so many more bits of information needed to make an informed decision:
D'backs showed some power yesterday with 4 EBH, but only 2-11 with RISP. It is unlikely that they will get as many opportunities tonight to put up runs with RISP.
The Giants have been a rising ball club, and they are making a move on their division now that the Dodgers have cooled off somewhat, if you can call 7-3 Last 10 games cooling off.
Bullpen Observations
-Giants have a nice bullpen situation tonight - everyone is available to pitch and we should see Romo set things up. (By everyone, I mean everyone in this winning stretch of games).
-Arizona has some "stuff" to go to, obviously they have a bad closer situation with only a 50% rate of success on closing games out games in save situations. They do not have anyone overworked the past 3 days.
Key Game Stats (I am not a believer of winning games on paper), but info that stands out:
Zona is only 12-20 at night
Zona is a lowly 5-13 vs. teams with a winning record
*Zona does play .500 ball on the road
S.F. just 2-2 as -100 to -125 HM Fav. (functional record)
S.F. 9 wins against 5 losses against LHP - plus they do hit well.
Why I like this Game
S.F. has improved markedly over the past 10 days. Defensively they are worrisome but the D'backs are not the Yankees on D, either.
The Giants are getting production - they aren't an offensive powerhouse, but they can muster up enough offense to win games. Hopefully tonight they need just 3 or 4 to squeak by the D'backs.
Note: "Sharp" money is coming in on Arizona (although for me "sharp" money is not a too much of a factor in my handicapping). I rely on what I know and feel, and I suggest you do the same!
All the Best,
MAP
Record and pick is posted in "Marc Anthony Presents 2012 Season Long Thread" - MLB section
San Fran is rolling out a dynamite starter in Vogelsong - he has really pitched well against good teams at home. Arizona's SP J. Saunders has struggled as of late - but he can be pretty good when his breaking ball is on.
Let's move away from the starting pitching match-up as there are so many more bits of information needed to make an informed decision:
D'backs showed some power yesterday with 4 EBH, but only 2-11 with RISP. It is unlikely that they will get as many opportunities tonight to put up runs with RISP.
The Giants have been a rising ball club, and they are making a move on their division now that the Dodgers have cooled off somewhat, if you can call 7-3 Last 10 games cooling off.
Bullpen Observations
-Giants have a nice bullpen situation tonight - everyone is available to pitch and we should see Romo set things up. (By everyone, I mean everyone in this winning stretch of games).
-Arizona has some "stuff" to go to, obviously they have a bad closer situation with only a 50% rate of success on closing games out games in save situations. They do not have anyone overworked the past 3 days.
Key Game Stats (I am not a believer of winning games on paper), but info that stands out:
Zona is only 12-20 at night
Zona is a lowly 5-13 vs. teams with a winning record
*Zona does play .500 ball on the road
S.F. just 2-2 as -100 to -125 HM Fav. (functional record)
S.F. 9 wins against 5 losses against LHP - plus they do hit well.
Why I like this Game
S.F. has improved markedly over the past 10 days. Defensively they are worrisome but the D'backs are not the Yankees on D, either.
The Giants are getting production - they aren't an offensive powerhouse, but they can muster up enough offense to win games. Hopefully tonight they need just 3 or 4 to squeak by the D'backs.
Note: "Sharp" money is coming in on Arizona (although for me "sharp" money is not a too much of a factor in my handicapping). I rely on what I know and feel, and I suggest you do the same!
All the Best,
MAP
Record and pick is posted in "Marc Anthony Presents 2012 Season Long Thread" - MLB section
