Thank goodness this is an East Coast Game. The earlier we get back on the field, the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to get rid of this three game losing streak. While it seems on the surface that today is not the day to end the skid, it might very well be.
The Reds tend to fare better against power pitchers, of which Jorge de la Rosa and Jason Hammel arguably are, while faring a tad worse against finesse pitchers like Aaron Cook. It is worth noting that split flies in the face of league averages. Then consider "Red" is a Hamilton, Ohio native and is unbeaten in four career starts in Cincinnati.
Am I grabbing at straws? Maybe. Probably. But we all need reason to hope.
Also, this is your official warning. Anyone who posts any comment similar to "Why do we ALWAYS make no-name rookie pitchers look like Cy Young?! We SUCK" will be immediately banned today. The lefty has made three career starts, and in two of them, he went seven innings while allowing two or less hits, including this sheer dominance.
Despite not being a power lefty, Wood utilizes mostly fastballs. So far in his MLB career, he has thrown almost 80% fastballs and cutters, coming in around 88-90 mph. That makes him a very good comp to Aaron Cook, though Wood mixing in a cutter to right handed batters in addition to his sinker. Given that repertoire, Ian Stewart seems to be a good choice to start today, but giving his 9 PA hitless streak, I can see Jim Tracy shaking up the lineup with Mora again. Wood flashes a quality changeup most after the fastball, with his well below average breaking pitches (curve and slider) coming in once every 12 pitches or so.
That is all.
Oh yeah....Go Rockies!!!
