Tuesday: Gonzalez versus Jake Peavy
Wednesday: Zimmermann versus Gavin Floyd
Thursday: Haren versus Jose Quintana
(Starting pitching subject to change)
The three-game series in Cincinnati was eye-opening. The Reds' lineup raked all three games (they also put up a 9-run 9th inning at St. Louis Monday evening). Washington's offense hasn't quite matched the Reds' level of performance.
Harper is mashing early. Span has drawn 7 walks in the first 6 games, aiding a .444 OBP. Other guys may warm up now that the team is back at home.
Defense overall has been okay. The team has 7 errors, but Desmond has 4 of that total. He's as physically gifted as any shortstop in the game, but sometimes he can get a little unfocused. An error in a key situation costs his pitchers more pitches.
For the White Sox, Peavy is healthy again. He's tough and smart. His start may resemble the one Homer Bailey had against Washington last week. Floyd is a slightly-better-than-average starter who keeps his team in games as well. Quintana is a lefty who had a surprisingly good year last year, but got lit up in his first start this season. White Sox starters aren't bad, but aren't invincible either. I anticipate Nationals' hitters attacking early in the count.
The White Sox offense revolves around Paul Konerko, Alex Rios and Dayan Viciedo. No DH in this series, so Adam Dunn will have to play the field to get 3 to 4 plate appearances each game.
Defensively, Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham are good turning double plays. Tyler Flowers is a young catcher who throws pretty well. Alejandro De Aza has great range in center field, but not a strong throwing arm.
Gonzalez and Zimmerman should both have strong outings, giving Washington a great chance to win Tuesday and Wednesday. Haren must make adjustments in order to pitch deep into Thursday's game. His stuff has declined, so he has to pitch to the margins of the strike zone. The illusion of throwing strikes will serve him better than actually throwing the ball over the plate.
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