The matchup is Manny Parra versus Kyle Lohse, who--come on, now--really can't be that good. Right?
Tom H has the lineups, and I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to go on a little rant. Tom says:
Utility infielder Craig Counsell is starting at shortstop today in place of slumping J.J. Hardy as the Brewers try to salvage a split of their two-game series against St. Louis at Miller Park.
Hardy is one of many hitters in the lineup unable to get going at the plate for the Brewers, with a .214 batting average.
I'm going to ignore the "salvage a split" business...we're talking two games. We'll survive. But..."slumping?" "Unable to get going?" Are we talking about the same guy? I usually don't pay attention to short-term trends, but since you mentioned it: JJ went 3-5 two days ago, and has six hits (including a homer) in the last four games. Selective endpoints, sure, but if you think JJ is slumping at the moment, your sample size is...yesterday. You can tinker with your own endpoints here.
Here's the BR Game Preview. Project-a-tron is pissed about last night, but I managed to talk it into giving me some numbers for today:
- Brewers 5.5
- Cards 4.9
- Brewers WinExp: 59%
Let's go Crew!