Baseball Picks: Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks
Written April 7, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz
The Rockies lost the first game of this series last night 9-8. The score is typical of their recent history of losing. The boys from the rocky mountains can always hit and never seem to be able to pitch. The lineup they have going into this season has a ton of potential. With the recent departure of their big slugger Matt Holliday, the Rockies are not expected to contend much in the National League. Their starting rotation is very spotty and they do not have a great balance of players. They do have in my opinion their best pitcher going tonight in Ubaldo Jiminez who ended last season on a tear. He went 4-1 in his last five games where he earned a decision. The Rockies have Proved they still have the pop in their bats to be competitive against good teams. They sure gave Brandon Webb a early season wake up call yesterday afternoon. Look for Colorado to score 4-6 runs today off the D-Backs staff which include starter Dan Haren. Colorado is currently +140 according to today’s MLB odds.
The Diamondbacks earned an opening day victory yesterday against the Rockies. It was bitter sweet however as their ace Brandon Webb allowed 6 runs on 6 hits while only last 4 innings. They do have reasons to smile as their offense exploded. Lead off man Felipe Lopez hit two home runs as one of them was to lead off the game. Veteran Tony Clark had two homers himself as the D-Backs held on. Arizona has a good chance to win the division this year. With new lead off man Lopez, Stephen Drew getting better every year, Chris Young is a potential 30-30 guy in center field and Chad Tracy is healthy and primed for a big year. Their pitching staff is potent and new closer Chad Qualls seems to be a good fit. Are their some holes? Sure there are, this game tonight for one would be a good example. Ubaldo Jimenez, has allowed four runs or less in his last three games against the Diamondbacks. If you expect them to put up five or more runs against Colorado tonight, they’ll most likely get the victory. I however, don’t.
Catcher: Chris Iannetta vs Chris Snyder (EDGE- Iannetta of Colorado) Chris Iannetta could very easily be the breakout player of the year. This is his first full season as the starter without having to look over his shoulder. He showed what kind of power he has as a catcher with a home run in yesterdays game. He has a good eye at the plate and is a top notch defensive catcher. Snyder is a very serviceable player as he is also a good defensive catcher and has some pop himself. In this match up, Iannetta gets today’s edge
Corner Infield: Garret Atkins & Todd Helton vs Chad Tracy & Mark Reynolds (EDGE: Tracy & Reynolds of Arizona) Chad Tracy hit .379 against Colorado last year while Mark Reynolds hit .277 which was actually one of his best averages against MLB teams. Atkins hit .310 against Arizona which is great considering their staff. He is one of the top third baseman in the game with a combination of power and average. Todd Helton is coming off a big injury that sidelined him for most of last year. With Helton’s production in question, I will give this edge to Arizona as the combination of Tracy and Reynolds are good enough to out weigh the doubts.
Middle Infield: Troy Tulowitzki & Clint Barmes vs Stephen Drew & Felipe Lopez (EDGE: EVEN) No edge given here. Tulo and Drew are mirror image players with Drew being the more consistent hitter while Tulo has a bit more speed. Lopez is faster then Barmes while Clint is a better hitter (do not let the two homers Lopez hit yesterday fool you). The averages, fielding percentages and power numbers are comparable. Dead even, lets see how it plays out.
Outfield: Brad Hawpe, Ryan Spilborghs & Seth Smith vs Conor Jackson, Chris Young & Justin Upton (EDGE- Jackson, Young & Upton Of Arizona) This is a decisive edge for the Diamondbacks. Young and Uptons speed is far better then all of the Rockies outfield combined while the power edge is around even. The fielding edge heavily leans towards Arizona as Chris Young is one of the better fielding center fielders in the game. Arizona gets the nod here.
Staring Pitchers: Ubaldo Jimenez vs Dan Haren (EDGE-EVEN) Now, before everybody jumps down my throat here baffled on how I can pick a guy that went 12-12 with a 3.99 ERA to be an even match up with an all-star in Dan Haren who went 16-8 with a 3.33 ERA, let me explain why. Jimenez has lots of success against Arizona. He has allowed 4 or less runs in his last three games against them and finished last season very hot. Haren was 3-0 last year against the Rockies so he also has success against his opponent.Expect Jimenez to pitch a great game today.
Well, we kick off baseball season tonight with Jordan’s Picks. So, lets start out with a nice sized underdog in the Rockies. Ubaldo Jimenez is an up and coming ace for this staff with all-star potential. The Rockies will score enough runs here to get this series even at 1-1. Expect Brad Hawpe and Chris Iannetta to be the difference at the plate tonight. Take the Rockies +140.
Jordans Pick: Colorado Rockies +140
Get even more expert MLB picks from Betfirms to help you win more this season when you bet on baseball.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Baseball Picks: Colorado Rockies at Pittsburgh Pirates
- Baseball Picks: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks
- Florida Marlins at Colorado Rockies Picks & Predictions
- MLB Picks: Colorado Rockies at Atlanta Braves
- Baseball Picks: St. Louis Cardinals at Arizona Diamondbacks
2 Responses to “Baseball Picks: Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks”
Got something to say?
- Betting on Baseball
- Baseball Betting Lines
- World Series Odds
- Understanding MLB Run Lines
- Baseball Money Lines Explained
- Baseball Betting Forum
- MLB Gambling
- Baseball Sportsbooks
- How to Bet Baseball
- Dime Line Sportsbooks
- World Series Betting
Good call… Dbacks lack hitting…
Reply
I disagree with this one. I se Haren winning this one.
Reply