The Astros are coming off a four game sweep of the Giants, and await the much anticipated insertion of Dunn into the lineup. What? The Diamondbacks got him? What’s Ed Wade gonna do now, sign FrankenBarry? No? So who’s gonna play left field for El Caballo? Biggio? The retirement celebration has been scrapped? No. GOOD.
Diamondbacks (62-59) vs Astros (62-59)
MMPUS
- Friday, August 15 7:05 p.m. FSN-HD
- Saturday, August 16 6:05 p.m. FSN-HD
- Sunday, August 17 1:05 p.m. Alex, I’ll take extra pixels for 20?
Probable Pitching Matchups:
Friday–Brandon Webb, RHP (17-4, 2.88) vs. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (7-4, 3.89)
Webb has been scary good lately (ERA of 1.59 in his last 5 starts) and he especially likes to spin it at Minute Maid (2-0, 1.21 ERA). It’s too bad Matsui is out for this game, as he has a .423 average against Webb. Loretta may get the start, his .400 batting average is the number that will stick out to Coop, and as we know, Coop is all about the numbers. Berkman seems to be completely entangled by the Webb, having only 2 hits in 20 ABs. Wandy had one of his best starts of the year in his last game, and should be feeling all comfy in the confines of Minute Maid Park. He is 2-2 (.450) against the Snakes, however that was before the addition of Dunn, who is .412 against him.
Saturday–Yusmeiro Petit, RHP (1-3, 3.12) vs. Brandon Backe, RHP (7-11, 5.14)
Andy Pettite was traded to the D-backs for this spot start on Faith and Family night versus the Astros. He once again wants to make sure that his Houston fan base understands that his God “told” him to sign with the Evil Empire over the Good Guys. Must be on a missionary assignment. Petit(minus the -te) on the other hand, has faced only 5 Houston batters before and has completely bumfuzzled them. Matsui, Berkman, Ausmus, Blum and Bourn have combined for the 0 fer against him. Better start that praying, guys. Backe has limited experience against the batters on this team–with one surprising exception. Brandon has had Dunn’s number, striking him out 6 times in 12 ABs, and holding him to a whopping 0.000000000000000000 batting average. Sorry for the jinx.
Sunday–Randy Johnson, LHP (10-8, 4.18) vs. Roy Oswalt, RHP (10-8, 4.52)
The Sea Hag faces the Wizard after the Biggio Festivus. Current Astros have a collective .261 average against him, led by Pence (.667) and Q (.429). Wigginton, who has been on fire since the beaning of The Horse, has 3 HR in 25 AB facing Johnson. Oswalt has held this D-backs team to a .263 average. Dunn has faced RoyO 74 times (54 more than the next Diamondback) with 16 hits in 61 AB (.262) with 4 of those hits being of the over the wall variety.
Promotions and Giveaways
Friday–It’s finally here! The much publicized (translate–shoved in your face, up your ass, and into every other orifice) Milo Hamilton Bobblehead day. If that’s not enough to make you stay home from the ballpark, nothing will. Also a Coca-Cola value night and Friday Night Fireworks night…….as if that offsets the elf in the green checked sportscoat you have to carry with you the entire night.
Saturday—Faith and Family night. Not sure what this is? Where in hell have you been ?
Sunday–Finally a promotion that no one in their right mind has a problem with. Biggio retirement pins, metal lunchboxes and a Scout Parade. A special pre-game ceremony retiring the old #7. Better get there early, Milo is starting promptly at 12:20 p.m.
Injury Report
Arizona–Gonzales, Hudson and Byrnes are out for the season. Upton is in AAA on a rehab assignment.
Houston–Matsui is questionable for the series with an aching back. Lee is still trying to piece together the puzzle that was his pinkie and Paulino has tendinitis.
Bits and Pieces
Sorry if you were expecting a Biggio tribute piece. Watch FSN at noon on Sunday. I’m sure they will do a better job than I could.
I really hope that Dunn doesn’t show up our guys this weekend–I don’t want the TZ to be overun with Dunn talk again.
Want this series to be more exciting–just pretend Houston is in the NL West. It would be a cage match for the Division lead.
Grab yourself an adult beverage and drop by the GameZone sometime.