NO-PLAY ON ARIZONA...EDITED OUT
This game might end up being a no-play if Atlanta's starter, Mike Hampton, gets scratched, so make sure Hampton and Halsey are the listed starters.
If Hampton does get the nod to start this game, you have to feel he's definitely not going to be 100% and might be a bit rusty. Hampton's been on the DL twice this season with a strained forearm and just recently strained his back and had to skip his scheduled throwing session this past Wednesday. Since May 31st, Hampton has only pitched a total of 2 Major League innings, so it looks like a good chance he could be a bit off.
Of course Atlanta is playing on the Road for this game and when playing away from home, Atlanta has shown to be just an average at best team this season. After the loss on Friday night, they have a Road record of just 25-29. That's a far cry from their 29-14 home record. Their starter today has shown that same characteristic throughout his career. Hampton's career ERA on the Road is over a full run higher than his career Home ERA and his career record on the road is just 58-59.
Hampton has also struggled vs Arizona in the past. He has just a 6-7 record in 15 career starts with an ERA of 5.23. Those numbers get even worse when you look at his numbers at Arizona's Bank One Ballpark where he is 1-2 with a 6.32 ERA Lifetime. Several of the current D'Back players have very good career numbers vs Hampton. Listed below are the career averages and on base percentages.
Alex Cintron .429 average .429 OBP
Tony Clark .333 average .429 OBP
Craig Councell .300 average .423 OBP
Luis Gonzalez .333 average .381 OBP 5 career Home Runs
Shawn Green .593 average .613 OBP 5 career Home Runs
Quinton McCracken .714 average .750 OBP
Chad Tracy .500 average .600 OBP
Looking at Arizona's starter, Brad Halsey, I'm not a huge fan of either, but he has shown he can be effective at times. He's allowed 3 earned runs or less in 13 of his 19 games and has only given up 2 home runs in his last 7 starts combined. Given the fact that he has never faced the Atlanta Braves, I think he could be even more effective early in this game and that's what I'm looking for when playing the first 5 innings.
Bottom line, looks like a great 1st 5-inning play. No need to get into the D'Backs bullpen. The play is based on both starters pending they both start.
Good luck!
-ndnfan
