Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Phillies Preview: August 12, 2009

8:05pm - Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Pedro Martinez, RHP (0-0, 0.00) v. Jeff Samardzija, RHP (1-1, 6.29)

Pedro Martinez makes his Phillies debut against the Cubs on national television tonight. The Phillies, coming off of an emotional extra-inning win last night, will again look for the offense to wake up. They managed just three hits last night off of Cubs pitching. Pedro will be opposed by young Cubs righty, Jeff Samardzija. The young Notre Dame alum will be making his first career start.

Martinez will look to start off his Phillies career in style. He has typically excelled in the national spotlight and there are few better places than on ESPN at Wrigley Field. Lifetime against current Cubs, Martinez is holding hitters to a .192 average in 86 plate appearances. The key will be to throw strikes early and often, as Pedro will most likely be on a pitch count and somewhat short leash. If the Phillies are able to get six effective innings from him, that will be a success. The Cubs' Alfonso Soriano has the most appearances versus Martinez in his career by far, hitting only .163 with 15 strikeouts in 43 plate appearances.

Starting for the Cubs will be Samardzija, who is filling in the rotation for the injured Carlos Zambrano. Samardzija is in his second year in the majors, after been highly effective out of the bullpen last season. This year has not gone as well as his ERA is well over six. He is familiar with the Phillies, as he surrendered a three-run walk-off homerun to Jayson Werth earlier this season in Philadelphia. Despite this, current Phillies are hitting just .167 against the righty in 17 career plate appearances. If Samardzija is able to pitch effectively, deep into the game, this could be another tough night on the offense.

With the wind blowing in last night, the Phillies were able to escape some early hard-hit balls by the Cubs. There's no certainty how the weather will impact tonight's game. However, every one's focus will be on the newest Phillies starter, Pedro Martinez. I expect the offense to work out of their slump and also provide a good showing for their former Cy Young Award winner. Patience will again be the key against a young, inexperienced starter.

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