Rockies -108
Cold weather has negative effects on both the hitter and the pitcher. It is hard for the pitcher to grip the ball and have the ideal control and movement warmer weather will allow. The hitter also freezes up and hurts on contact. Last night brought to control pitchers to the mound, and it was to no surprise both of them struggled. Tonight brings a control pitcher and a pitcher that throws harder than any other starter in baseball on the mound. Expect Jimenez to benefit from the weather and Lee to potentially struggle. Game one, I did not like Jimenez’s chances as sinkerball pitchers tend to struggle against left handed power lineups. Expect Jimenez to use the challenge fastball and pitch inside more, as that is the most beneficial pitch in cold weather. The Rockies pitchers have shown the propensity to allow a lot of base runners in this series and try to get out of jams. It hasn’t worked in recent innings. However, Jimenez’s ability to work well out of the stretch and challenge hitters will increase the chances of the Phillies having to earn their base runners.
I do not like Lee’s chances tonight as much as I did in game 1. The weather can play its toll on him. He has struggled against right handed hitters all year, and the Rockies have made it clear that they want to load up on the right side against the Phillies southpaws. Once Lee leaves the Rockies chances of scoring increases. The Rockies have played better than any other team in baseball the last three years with their backs against the wall. Tonight fits that description.
Cold weather has negative effects on both the hitter and the pitcher. It is hard for the pitcher to grip the ball and have the ideal control and movement warmer weather will allow. The hitter also freezes up and hurts on contact. Last night brought to control pitchers to the mound, and it was to no surprise both of them struggled. Tonight brings a control pitcher and a pitcher that throws harder than any other starter in baseball on the mound. Expect Jimenez to benefit from the weather and Lee to potentially struggle. Game one, I did not like Jimenez’s chances as sinkerball pitchers tend to struggle against left handed power lineups. Expect Jimenez to use the challenge fastball and pitch inside more, as that is the most beneficial pitch in cold weather. The Rockies pitchers have shown the propensity to allow a lot of base runners in this series and try to get out of jams. It hasn’t worked in recent innings. However, Jimenez’s ability to work well out of the stretch and challenge hitters will increase the chances of the Phillies having to earn their base runners.
I do not like Lee’s chances tonight as much as I did in game 1. The weather can play its toll on him. He has struggled against right handed hitters all year, and the Rockies have made it clear that they want to load up on the right side against the Phillies southpaws. Once Lee leaves the Rockies chances of scoring increases. The Rockies have played better than any other team in baseball the last three years with their backs against the wall. Tonight fits that description.
