Today's Matchup: Milwaukee (Narveson) vs Florida (Nolasco)

by Noah Jarosh on Sep 25, 2011 11:18 AM CDT in Game Previews

Ricky Nolasco (10-11, 4.46) has been better than his ERA would indicate. His greatest asset his excellent control: This year, he has just a 1.94 BB/9. In 2010, that number was at 1.88. His strikeout numbers are down this year, from a 8.39 K/9 in 2010 to 6.49 this year. However, his HR/9 is also down this year, from 1.37 to 0.88. Both his FIP and xFIP currently stand at 3.55. This is the third straight year that Nolasco has had a good FIP and a poor ERA.

Nolasco's splits show basically no difference between being home or away. In Florida, he has been allowing a .760 OPS, while away from home he has been allowing a .763 OPS. He has been much better against righties (.279/.299/.399) than lefties (.299/.353/.475) this year.

Nolasco has faced five different current Brewers at least ten times. Here's how they have fared:

	PA	Line
Jerry Hairston	14	.500/.500/.929
Nyjer Morgan	14	.286/.286/.357
Prince Fielder	13	.250/.538/1.000
Rickie Weeks	13	.417/.462/.833
Corey Hart	12	.400/.417/.700

For the Brewers, Chris Narveson (10-8, 4.40) will be making the start. His last start, he gave up three runs (two earned) in four innings against the Cubs. This should be his last start in 2011 before moving to a bullpen role in the playoffs. Narveson has yet to face a current Marlin at least ten times.

It's been a while since we saw this Center Fielder:

RF Corey Hart
CF Mark Kotsay
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
2B Rickie Weeks
3B Jerry Hairston Jr.
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
C George Kottaras
LHP Chris Narveson

In the Bullpen:

Kameron Loe pitched one inning (21 pitches) on Wednesday.
Michael Fiers pitched one inning (21 pitches) on Wednesday.
Tim Dillard and Marco Estrada last pitched on Monday.
Frankie De La Cruz last pitched on Saturday.
Francisco Rodriguez pitched .2 innings (10 pitches) Friday and 1 inning (19 pitches) yesterday.
John Axford pitched 1 inning (14 pitches) Friday and 1 inning (16 pitches) yesterday.
Takashi Saito pitched 1 inning (14 pitches) yesterday.

LaTroy Hawkings pitched 1 inning (19 pitches) yesterday.

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RRR should just go full crazy

Kotsay in CF, Gomez in LF.

by cwolf20 on Sep 25, 2011 11:34 AM CDT reply actions

Previously

RR gave us a glimpse at the best defensive OF when he had Schafer, Gomez and Morgan out there late in a game.

Today, he’s showing us what the worst defensive OF looks like. Apparently giving the Marlins a chance to avoid the sweep.

Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.

by sjlee on Sep 25, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Well at least we know the manager isn't afraid of facing the Phillies in the first round.

He seems content with just making the playoffs and not trying for the second seed.

Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.

by cooper82 on Sep 25, 2011 11:48 AM CDT reply actions

I don't see anything wrong with the lineups yesterday and today ...

Braun and Prince keep playing everyday, Rickie and Corey got a day off yesterday and get to play today against a pitcher against whom they have had success, and Gomez and Morgan get the day off after both playing yesterday. Yes, Kotsay is in CF but will get a few ABs to keep him fresh as a pinch-hitter in the playoffs. A great day to play Hairston at 3B as well, with his success against Nolasco.

Go Brewers!

by oconnobe on Sep 25, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Nothing wrong with today's lineup?

Kotsay batting second AND starting in CF is just plain wrong. Hairston is probably better suited for the #2 spot.

Also, do you think Morgan needs a day off more than Betancourt?

If RR wanted to play Kotsay, then why not play him yesterday in RF and have Morgan play today?

Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.

by sjlee on Sep 25, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Good point about Kotsay and Morgan ... That makes sense.

As far as Betancourt goes, as long as Hairston is playing for either McGehee or Betancourt, I am happy.

by oconnobe on Sep 25, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Interesting

JHJ at 3B. Could we see this in the playoffs? Casey has lost his way, and Mr. Green hasn’t really been that inspiring of late.

by airfigaro on Sep 25, 2011 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I doubt it.

RR seems to follow the “go with what got you there” approach.

Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.

by sjlee on Sep 25, 2011 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Unfortunately we got there with 2 flat tires

Give him an offspeed pitch down and in. He will swing and miss.

by cooper82 on Sep 25, 2011 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Look on the official site

There was a discussion about leaving McGehee off of the playoff roster altogether. Going on with both JHJ and Green.

by ddloml on Sep 25, 2011 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Should've added the link...

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110925&content_id=25196922&notebook_id=25196924&vkey=notebook_mil&c_id=mil

by ddloml on Sep 25, 2011 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd say keep him on as a PH option

The Brewers don’t exactly have alot of power on the bench.

Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.

by sjlee on Sep 26, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.

by sjlee on Sep 25, 2011 12:26 PM CDT reply actions

by MrLeam on Sep 25, 2011 1:05 PM CDT reply actions

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