2 spots open - 3 teams left
| 10
|
by user Woodshow
It's come down to 6 games each for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies. As of now, the Padres control the West by 2 games, and the Dodgers and Phillies are tied for the wild card. Let's break down the remaining games for each team.
Los Angeles Dodgers
6 games remaining - 3 at Colorado, 3 at San Francisco
Probable starting pitchers -
- at Colorado - Greg Maddux, Derek Lowe, Brad Penny
- at San Francisco - Hong-Chih Kuo, Greg Maddux, Derek Lowe
The Dodgers have 3 in Colorado, which is still a pitcher's nightmare, even if runs haven't been as high this year. The scary part is that there is always a chance for a huge game there. But, if the Dodgers need 3 wins, these are the 3 guys they need to give the ball to. Maddux hasn't been as sharp lately as when he first came to LA, but has still overall been a great pickup. Lowe has taken over Penny's role as the team ace, and has had a strong August and September. Penny hasn't delivered at all lately. The offense has been stagnant lately, but we've all seen their ability to get the big hit late in the game. If Kent, Garciaparra, and Drew aren't on, then they will have a hard time putting enough runs on the board.
Toughest pitchers to face - Matt Cain, Jason Schmidt
How they can get in - Experienced starting staff, clutch hitting late
San Diego Padres
6 games remaining - 2 at St. Louis, 4 at Arizona
Probable starting pitchers -
- at St. Louis - Woody Williams, Chris Young
- at Arizona - Jake Peavy, Clay Hensley, David Wells, Woody Williams
The Padres have been awesome lately, going 11-4 in their last 15 games. In 9 of their 11 victories, the starting pitchers have earned the win. Obviously, that stat alone shows how deep their starting staff is. Everyone from Peavy down to Hensley have produced when it has mattered most. Much like LA, their batting order won't exactly strike fear in the hearts of their opponents, but they've been scoring enough runs to get the win. Adrian Gonzalez has quietly led the way, as he leads the team in average, home runs, and RBI (.300/24/79). With a 2 game lead right now, only a collapse would keep them out of the playoffs.
Toughest pitchers to face - Chris Carpenter, Brandon Webb
How they can get in - Deep starting staff, riding a hot streak
Philadelphia Phillies
6 games remaining - 3 at Washington, 3 at Florida
Probable starting pitchers -
- at Washington - Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jon Lieber
- at Florida - Jamie Moyer, Randy Wolf, Brett Myers
The Phillies dropped a big game yesterday to the Houston Astros, a game they should have easily won. First of all, the Astros were not happy at all about having to travel to Philly from Houston after a night game to play the following day. Second, the Astros started Chris Sampson, who was only making his 2nd start of the year, and couldn't score against him. That was a game they should not have let slip away. Of the 3 teams left, the Phillies do not have as strong a starting pitching staff. Myers and Hamels can produce, but the rest can by shaky. Moyer has been a good pickup, but he still gives up the long ball way too often. On the flip side, they have the best offense, led by the young studs of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. If those 2 are hitting, then they are hard to beat. But control them, and because of the medicore pitching, they can be beatable.
Toughest pitchers to face - Scott Olsen, Dontrelle Willis
How they can get in - Run-producing top of the order
http://www.aaronwaymire.blogspot.com
Date
Tue 09/26/06, 12:39 pm EST
