It's Friday, and that means a couple of things. One, it's about time to cut loose and have some fun. Two, I'll be giving some plays for Friday and Saturday that would seem to be in prime position to succeed.
HITTERS – FRIDAY
John Buck vs. Cliff Lee: Buck has been awful this year but in his last six games he has three homers and seven RBI. He's also got a matchup that he has had success in given that he has hit .317 with three homers an a 1.001 OPS over 41 at-bats against the one time ace lefty.
Ryan Roberts vs. Randy Wolf: Roberts isn't exactly tearing it up, but with Josh Bell demoted he has a shot to reclaim a daily role with the club. He hit a homer in his last game and Friday he faces Wold who he has produced seven hits in 15 at-bats against (.467 with one homer). By the way, don't start Wolf Friday. He's allowed a .329/.391/.574 slash line to the current D'backs roster in 155 at-bats.
B.J. Upton vs. Justin Verlander: You know the term 'playing with fire?' Here we go with that. Upton has been in a terrible slump that has led to one hit in six games, and he faces arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Still, the numbers suggest it's not as bad as it seems as Upton has eight hits, including a homer, in 18 at-bats against Verlander leading to a .444 average and five RBIs (Hideki Matsui has also had some success hitting .333 in 24 at-bats).
PITCHERS – FRIDAY
Ross Detwiler vs. Braves: He hasn't had much success against the Braves in his career with a 3.80 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 23.2 innings, but his numbers this season against everyone look impressive (3.09 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). Plus, he's been locked in for the month of June with a 1.10 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 16.1 innings.
Brian Duensing vs. Royals: This is one of those shot in the dark calls based totally on history and pretty much nothing else. Brian D. has made only one start this year so he isn't likely to go deep into this game, and his last outing was unsuccessful (4 ER in 2 IP). Still, history says he makes for a nice play against the Royals: 6-2, 2.98 ERA over 57.1 innings.
Mike Leake vs. Giants: Leake has killed it in June with a 2.97 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 4.50 K/BB ratio (though he's only gone 1-0, great job Reds). The negative? He faces Matt Cain.
HITTERS – SATURDAY
Wilson Betemit vs. Josh Tomlin: Three things make this move make sense. (1) Betemit is 7-for-17 with two homers and four RBI against Tomlin. (2) Betemit has been hot in June hitting .383 with a 1.008 OPS in 60 at-bats. (3) Tomlin has been awful in June with a 6.75 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 10 Ks in 26.2 innings.
Joe Mauer vs. Luke Hochevar: Just seeing this matchup should interest you, even if you had no idea about their history versus one another. Given that Mauer is hitting .450 with a .577 OBP against Hochevar in 26 plate appearances, it's lock and load time with the star hitting catcher.
Placido Polanco vs. Mark Buehrle: Normally Polanco would be the last guy to pay any attention at all too since all he does is produce singles. Still, you simply cannot overlook his massive career efforts against the Miami lefty. In 41 career at-bats Polanco has, get this, 18 hits leading to a .439 batting average against Buehrle.
PITCHERS – SATURDAY
Michael Fiers vs. D'backs: He's looked pretty darn good this season for the Brew Crew with 31 Ks and just five walks over 33.1 innings. That will play in any league. He's also working on a 2.70 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, not to mention that he has allowed just one run over his last 15.1 innings.
Mat Latos vs. Giants: He gets the weak link of the Giants staff in Barry Zito, and he's also dominated the club from San Fran in 10 career starts with a 2.35 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 4.00 K/BB ratio.
Rick Porcello vs. Tampa Bay: His season has been an uneven one, what else is new, but he's looked pretty locked in over his last two starts permitting three runs over 13 innings. He's also going to be facing a club that he ha had success against in three career starts. Over 20 innings Rick P. has 17 Ks and has issued only five free passes leading to a 3.15 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.
CONTESTS
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By Ray FlowersÂ