Series Preview: D'Backs

Cardinals (3-6) vs. Diamondbacks (4-4)

Chase Field : 3 game series

As our Redbirds continue their western road-trip, meaning more late night games for us here in St. Louis, they are still trying to get into the groove of things. While the D'Backs are off to a good start, especially offensively as they rank in the Top 10 in most team offensive categories including runs (8th), bating average (4th), on base (6th), slugging (6th), and steals (1st). Powering this offense is the bats of Miguel Montero, hitting .500, and Chris Young who has been on a tear for the past week with 7 runs scored, 7 RBI, and 2 HR. Unfortunately the Cards lineup has been much of the opposite, only scoring more than 3 runs twice in 9 games. As well documented Albert is terribly struggling, hitting into 6 double plays already which is one more than the number of base hits he has. He has 1 HR, but that is also his only extra base hit in the first 9 games. But for those hoping that he comes out of this funk, Chase Field and the D'Backs probably arent who he wants to see right now. In 2010 Albert had just as many HRs and RBI against Arizona that he has total so far in 2011, all while hitting .174. And his average in Chase Field over the past 3 years is only .213. But thankfully we just got back Matt Holliday, who stepped in right were he left off with an RBI and the go ahead run, bringing some stability and intimidation back to this lineup.

Guys to Watch

Stephen Drew SS & Kelly Johnson 2B

Many times over the past few seasons, mostly near the trade deadline, these two and the Cardinals have been linked. Now if those held any truth or were fan/media creations, we will never know. But with the Middle Infield of the Cardinals right now, you can be sure they will be brought up again. While I personally have always looked toward Johnson as a guy we could really use, another part of the Brain Trust has always coveted Drew.

Stephen Drew, just returning from injury, has posted a .500 average with a .600 on base % including 2 extra base hits, 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI. A great start in only 4 games so far, and would clearly be an upgrade both offensively and defensively over the second baseman player short for us now. Unfortunately Drew wont be a Free Agent for 2 more seasons and even then has a mutual option for 2013. But like most years there will surely be swirling rumors. The other half of this double play combo, Kelly Johnson, has been close to a .270 career hitter, but this year hasnt been so good for him, only putting up a .200 average early in the season. But in that he has hit a HR and pushed across 4 RBI. It might be my bias against Skip, but I would gladly take Johnson at Second over our Utility Outfielder any day of the week. Johnson is a Free Agent after this season, so a cheap trade would be possible although unlikely. But with Skips contract up after this season, I can only hope we are looking for a new 2B option.

Pitching Matchups

Kyle McClellan vs. Barry Enright

You probably dont remember Enright, but you remember the trend he represented last season. In his Major League debut he went five strong innings only giving up 4 hits and 1 run. It was one of many times a noname starter came in to mow down the Birds. He was no Bud Norris, but he did a good job. Already giving up 4 runs in 6 innings this season, and now having some of their own tape on Enright, maybe we can get to him tonight. On the other side, McClellan is making his second start and after being at his first one, hopefully he is more efficient this time around. Although K-Mac made it through 6 innings giving up 2 runs and only 95 pitches, but it was a struggle. He was picking around the strike zone, not ever looking comfortable. But he got through it and gave 6 quality innings and set us up for a win.

Chris Carpenter vs. Armando Galarraga

Carp has been the ace we have needed him to be with loosing Waino in Spring Training. Posting a 2.08 ERA and a sub 1 WHIP though his first two starts, and has been let down bay both the offense and the bullpen or else he should be 2-0 instead of 0-1. Galarraga has gotten himself a W over the Cubs and Ryan Dempster (plenty of reason to like him) despite giving up 4 runs in 7 innings. Man it must be nice to have an offense to back you up. With a career ERA near 4.6, hopefully if not against Enright, then this is the game where the offense can break out an never look back.

Jake Westbrook vs. Ian Kennedy

Unfortunately the Aces of these staffs dont lineup in this series, because I believe we would have a clear advantage, but with Kennedy going against Westbrook, who was supposed to be our #3 this season, it swings into the D'Backs favor. In his two starts Kennedy has given up 3 runs in 6 innings, and most recently 1 run in 8 innings racking up 9 Ks. And doing that to Cincinnati, it was a much better looking lineup he did that to than what we have been putting out there (top 3 offense so far this year). And on the other side, Jake Westbrook just hasnt had it yet this year, giving up 8 runs without getting through 5 innings in his first start, and another 3 runs while pitching into the 6th in his second. We know Westbrook can do it, we saw it last season, and have to believe that he will get it back. Maybe he is feeling the pressure as the #2 guy now, maybe it was just a bad day the first time around, what ever it is, you have to expect he will come out of it, and be the guy we traded for last season.