Adding: Late Set:
**4 UNIT UNDERDOG PLAY OF THE WEEK ON:
LA +107
-Ok, I liked this one early on, but needed to review some things before I got on it.....I am going to go against Zona in their next game following a good Offensive performance backing up the Big Unit on the hill.....This is what I did following the Units last game vs Florida, and won big as Webb was dismantled by the Fish 13-5....Like I stated, it seems that Zona always gets up to play when the Big Unit is on the hill, but then falls right back to sleep when he is done.....
Webb takes the hill for the DBacks today and he hasnt won a game since 4-27....In his last 5 starts, he is 0-3 with an 5.34 ERA and allowed at least 4 ER's in 3 of his last 5 games......In his last game vs Florida, I stated that it would be his lack of control, giving up many walks, which will give the Fish who is knows how to advance runners on base via stealing, an advantage and more opportunities to score.....
Well, Webb didnt dissappoint me in that one, as he gave up 5 walks.....Today, I have to see this lack of control by Webb and the Dodgers ability to move runners into scoring position via stolen base, which they rank 13th in the League in SB, having an advantage in getting more opportunities to produce runs.....
Webb this year has given up 33 Walks and this ranks him 2nd in the NL.....Also, on the road is where Webb struggles with his control....In his road games this year he has allowed these walk numbers: 4 walks, 5, 4, 1, 3, and 5 walks in his last game......Not Good!....He has though shown to be solid at times, but his lack of control has lead to many more poor showing outweighing any good performances....Webb also is not one who seems to have the ability to bounce back the next game after a bad one....This is clearly shown in his record where it shows that he suffers multiple losses before he gets another win.....Not Good!
Lima for LA is primarily a reliever, but he will get another shot at starting again tonight.....I usually dont follow relievers starting, because I feel that it is a whole new animal in itself.....But seeing as Lima has already made 3 starts this year and it has lead his team to a 2-1 record when he started, gives me a little confidence in him taking the hill today.....I feel he will be able to do enough vs Zona's struggling Offense, until he will get some help from Mr Gagne to close it out.....
Some stats working against Zona in this one...
-Zona ranked 3rd to last in OBP.
-Zona is 5th to last in hitting %.
-Zona hitting RHP's .214......LA hitting RHP's .271 at home vs them.
-Zona 3-7 in their last 10 games....The Big Unit responsible for getting 2 of them wins....
Now I know that the Dodgers are as well in a slump right now, but I feel that they will have an advantage against Webb, because of his lack of control.....The Dodgers should get guys on base via walks, if they continue to struggle at the plate....Overall though, between the two teams, the Dodgers are a better hitting squad and have a better OBP than the DBacks, in addition to being at home and coming off a lost to Zona last night, gives them additional edges tonight....Their BP of late has also been playing better than Zona's is and this another important edge before Mr Gagne steps in....I see the Dodgers, with the help from Webb, doing enough to bounce back with a much needed win tonight.....Go Dodgers!