Coming off a very frustrating loss yesterday, the Rockies look to take this home series from the Padres. Standing in their way is a so-far winless ace. Sound familiar?
Mat Latos pitched very well in 2010, going 14-10 with a 2.92 ERA (3.00 FIP) and producing 4.0 fWAR. This year...well, his ERA/FIP is 4.86/4.59. While he's still striking out more than a hitter an inning, Latos has given up homeruns at just about double the rate he gave them up last year while becoming more of a flyball pitcher so far. Let's hope that trend continues today at Coors Field.
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And then there's his opponent, Jason Hammel. Hammel has pitched pretty well for the Rockies this year, though a decent portion of it appears to be a little lucky, as Hammel has struck out only 5.44 hitters per 9 innings (career is 6.55). That's a big reason for his ERA/FIP disparity (3.02 to 3.90). In any case, even with a lower BABIP allowed (.279), Hammel has been having a quietly good year for the Rockies -- on pace for a 3 WAR season.
C'mon bats, let's look alive again! And bullpen, let's not blow up again. Please?