SB Nation Arizona - Diamondbacks Face Brewers In NLDS: News, Schedule And Morehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2011-10-03T17:36:14-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22213242011-10-03T17:36:14-07:002011-10-03T17:36:14-07:00Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers, Game 3: Kirk Gibson Has No Time For Your Negativity
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<p>The Diamondbacks are facing elimination in the NLDS at the hands of the scrappy Milwaukee Brewers. Manager Not surprisingly, manager Kirk Gibson is far from being ready to concede anything.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> have been virtually written off in their 2011 MLB NLDS series with the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Brewers</a>, and for good reason. Not only did they fall 0-2 in a five-game series but they didn't look all that good in the process. The ace starting pitching was not postseason caliber, the offense non-existent in Game 1, and the relief pitching in Game 2 imploded.</p>
<p>On top of all that, there are plenty of questions to ask about the decisions of manager Kirk Gibson who's calling the shots for the first time in the postseason. </p>
<p>Needless to say, Gibson has no time for any of that. He knows the odds (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/2011/10/3/2465168/diamondbacks-brewers-the-odds-coming-back-from-a-0-2-deficit">which are pretty grim if you are interested</a>) but has some numbers of his own that he shared with his team on Monday before they took the field for a light workout.</p>
<p>"We're behind by two games now, we need to win the next three," Gibson said, playing the role of math teacher / master motivator.</p>
<p>"We've won three games or more 12 times this season. We won nine games in a row after losing six in a row. We won seven in a row, twice. Six in a row, once. All those streaks came after bad, bad play."</p>
<p>What wasn't spoken but implied by his tone was a message to his doubters, "So, take those numbers and shove them up your abacus."</p>
<p>Don't start pointing the finger of blame either.</p>
<p>"We're going to focus on the positive things that we've accomplish and keep our good attitude. We prospered together and we've failed together and that's the way it will remain. We're not going to start blaming people. We understand people are going to have opinions on why things are happening -- it's not over yet so it's almost amusing."</p>
<p>For those that don't know, Gibson made it clear early in spring training that he doesn't have time for negative retroactive thinking. Here he is paraphrasing <a target="_blank" href="http://balive.com/about.html">Peter Crone</a> in February. </p>
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<p><a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/2/16/1997878/arizona-diamondbacks-spring-training-2011-kirk-gibson-gets/in/1755647" target="_blank">Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training 2011: Kirk Gibson Gets Philosophical</a>..<br>"When you think about the past all the time, when you get to the present day you are thinking about the past so it becomes your future again. You understand? We're not thinking about that. We're thinking about the future. Stop asking me those questions. That's not how my mind works and you know that."</p>
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<p>Another Gibson decision that hasn't yet been picked over much is starting Josh "Farris Wheel" Collmenter in Game 3 and <span>Joe Saunders</span> in Game 4.</p>
<p>Saunders was ahead of Collmenter in the rotation and is a veteran with playoff experience (5.40 ERA in 3 starts in the 2008 and 2009 ALDS against the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</a> and <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a>) but got bumped for a guy who was in "fall ball" this time last year.</p>
<p>Collmenter's deceptive delivery flummoxed and frustrated the Brewers in two meetings this season (14 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K) and more importantly, Gibson likes the cut of his jib.</p>
<p>"There's just a look about people when they get in certain situations that we've watched him throughout the year that leads us to believe he'll be fine in this environment," Gibson said about his rookie pitcher starting an elimination playoff game.</p>
<p>Gibby understands that the critiques come with the job and accepts full responsibility for everything that happens.</p>
<p>"We're where we're at (down 0-2) and I'm responsible, I'm the manager of the team. I have no problem with that. I do find it amusing in that the series isn't over yet."</p>
<p>But, he'll respect you more if you "first guess" instead of "second guess", so get in line with your guesses now. </p>
<p>Gibson promised he would manage the game "tighter" than he did on Sunday and do what he can to prevent the Brewers from having another big inning like the one that doomed the D-backs in Game 2.</p>
<p>Regardless of the outcome, it's been a pleasure covering this team and especially Kirk Gibson who is a unique blend of old school hard ass and new age modern thinker. If you want to put Gibby in a box, it better be a big one and it better have strong walls.</p>
<p>We went into this season with Gibson being the face of the team and on the eve of what could be the last game nothing's changed.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on this NLDS series, visit <a href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/" target="_blank">AZ Snake Pit </a>and <a href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/" target="_blank">Brew Crew Ball</a>.</i></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/10/3/2467293/mlb-playoffs-arizona-diamondbacks-vs-milwaukee-brewers-game-3-kirk-gibsonSeth Pollack2011-10-03T07:52:02-07:002011-10-03T07:52:02-07:00Diamondbacks Not Dead Yet; Don't Blame Gibson
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<p>Between the time I am writing this early Monday morning and the time the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> start Game 3 on Tuesday evening we will hear and read a lot about what went wrong for Arizona in Milwaukee. We will also break down the <span>Josh Collmenter</span> vs. <span>Shaun Marcum</span> pitching duel and get into some home and away numbers.</p>
<p>We will also probably see some stats about how few teams have come back from an 0-2 deficit in a five game series. I don't have those stats handy but it's fair to say they will be unkind to the hopes of Diamondbacks fans.</p>
<p>At this point, however, after watching <i>this </i>team all summer we can only say one thing -- don't even count out this team.</p>
<p>48 times they came from behind in games and countless times they've come through in big game situations. Tuesday and Wednesday are very winnable games at home with the D-backs having the pitching advantage at the back of the rotation in addition to the home field edge.</p>
<p>In other words, don't make plans for Friday evening because we very well could be seeing <span>Ian Kennedy</span> get a second chance to pitch in Milwaukee.</p>
<p><b>What went wrong?</b></p>
<p>Since we're here, some thoughts about what went wrong in Games 1 and 2. </p>
<p>It's always easy to second guess managerial decisions from the sidelines. It's something I'm not willing to do.</p>
<p>What we know about Kirk Gibson is that he's incredibly thoughtful and prepared. Every decision he makes in a game has been well considered in advance and done for a reason and that's really all you can ask. Sometimes, things don't work out. Period.</p>
<p>Letting Kennedy pitch to Fielder. Not walking Lucroy to get to Gallardo. Not letting Hudson finish the sixth inning. Letting <span>Brad Ziegler</span> pitch to lefty <span>Nyjer Morgan</span>. Not playing Paul Goldschimdt in Game 1 -- these are all decisions that are easy to critique when they go wrong under the spotlight of the postseason but that's not why the D-backs lost.</p>
<p>What was predictable was two young aces each giving up four runs in their postseason debuts. Pitching in the playoffs is hard -- <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/2/2464154/phillies-cliff-lee-cardinals-chris-carpenter-game-2-nlds" target="_blank">just ask</a> <span>Cliff Lee</span> -- and both Kennedy and Hudson struggled against a tough Brewers line up anchored by two MVP candidates.</p>
<p>The decision in the sixth inning with Ziegler was as much about the lack of middle innings relief depth as anything else. Outside of <span>David Hernandez</span> and <span>J.J. Putz</span>, there's not a ton of confidence in the rest of that bullpen. In a tie game situation, Gibson simply didn't have many options.</p>
<p>It burned him in Game 1 when he decided to trust in his starter and it burned him in Game 2 when he took the ball and went to the pen. The problem isn't the decisions. The problem is the lack of options in the bullpen for middle innings relief.</p>
<p>Brewers manager Ron Roenicke made questionable decisions that we are not talking about because his players bailed him out. If Josh Collmenter and a few of the D-backs hitters can step up on Tuesday then we won't be talking about Gibson's decisions.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/10/3/2465930/arizona-diamondbacks-2011-mlb-playoffsSeth Pollack2011-10-02T18:37:05-07:002011-10-02T18:37:05-07:00MLB Playoffs Schedule: D-Backs vs. Brewers Time, Tickets & TV Info
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> are heading back to Phoenix, and they now know what times they'll be facing off on Tuesday. The D-Backs are down 2-0 to the Milwaukee Brewers, so there's no guarantee there will be a Game 4. But if there is, here's the info past Game 3.</p>
<p><b>Game 3: </b>Chase Field in Phoenix; Tuesday, October 4th, 6:37 PM PT, 9:37 PM ET on TNT. <br><b>Game 4 (if necessary):</b> Chase Field in Phoenix; Wednesday, October 5th, 6:37 PM PT, 9:37 PM ET on TBS<br><b>Game 5 (if necessary): </b>Miller Park in Milwaukee; Friday, October 7th, 2:07 PM PT, 5:07 PM ET on TBS (unless it's the only game, in which case it's at 5:07 PM PT, 8:07 PM ET)</p>
<p>The Diamondbacks are planning on sending <span>Josh Collmenter</span> to the mound for Game 3, starting <span>Joe Saunders</span> for Game 4 and wrapping it all up with <span>Ian Kennedy</span> for Game 5. They'll be hoping for three straight wins, because any other scenario sends them home.</p>
<p>Also, some info regarding tickets:</p>
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<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today tickets beginning at $12 are still available for Tuesday’s Division Series playoff game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field that will begin at 6:37 p.m. If necessary, Game 4 of the Division Series will begin at 6:37 p.m. on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Fans can purchase single-game Division Series tickets online at dbacks.com, by calling 602.514.8400 or in person at the Chase Field Ticket Office and any Ticketmaster location. The Chase Field Ticket Office is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. tomorrow and beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday.</p>
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<p><i><b>To talk about the National League Divisional Series between Arizona and Milwaukee, you can check our SB Nation team sites! <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">Go to AZ Snake Pit</a> to talk to fans of the D-Backs, and<a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/"> go to Brew Crew Ball</a> to talk to fans of the Brewers.</b></i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/10/2/2464965/mlb-playoffs-schedule-d-backs-vs-brewers-time-tv-infoAvinash Kunnath2011-10-02T09:06:07-07:002011-10-02T09:06:07-07:00Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers: Game 2 Pitching Preview, Lineups And TV Info
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<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks can ill-afford to go down 0-2 in a five-game series. The key to Game 2 of the NLDS will be if Daniel Hudson can control his emotions and get through the first inning and find a groove.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> have their backs against the wall and are the Vegas underdog in Sunday's Game 2 of the NLDS against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a>. Down 0-1 in the five-game series, this game is crucial if the Snakes are going to advance to the next round. Being down and picked to lose is a familiar position for this group and one they've embraced and overcome all season long. </p>
<p>Taking the ball for the Diamondbacks is the bulldog of the pitching staff, <span>Daniel Hudson</span>. When he's on, Hudson's stuff is the best in the rotation and his competitive fire is part of what makes him so effective. But like many young players, the 24-year-old Hudson can let his emotions be his downfall as well.</p>
<p>"I've said it countless times; I'm my own worst enemy on the mound," Hudson said during his media session on Saturday in Milwaukee (<a href="http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111001&content_id=25416384&vkey=news_ari&c_id=ari&partnerId=aw-6237066309347061580-1028" target="_blank">full video here</a>).</p>
<p>We often see this early in games before Daniel settles in and gets his adrenaline under control and we see it after something doesn't go his way and he carries one mistake forward into another one. Hudson's ERA in the first innings of games is 6.00 and he's given up more runs in the first three innings (44) than in the rest of the innings combined (42). </p>
<p>How Hudson handles the pressure and emotion of pitching in this situation will likely dictate the results of Game 2 and the series. If he can get through the early innings and find his groove, the D-backs should have a chance to break through against Zack Grienke who is <a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/9/30/2461228/2011-mlb-playoffs-brewers-panic-move-zack-greinke-game-2" target="_blank">pitching on short rest for the second consecutive start</a>, a decision even ESPN / Fan Graphs stat geek Dave Cameron disagrees with (<a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7049795/mlb-milwaukee-brewers-choose-zack-greinke-shaun-marcum-game-2">MLB - Milwaukee Brewers choose Zack Greinke over Shaun Marcum in Game 2 - ESPN</a>).</p>
<p><b>Game 2 lineups</b></p>
<p>Lineups for Game 2 haven't been announced but we wouldn't anticipate any changes from the Brewers.</p>
<p>Jerry Hairston came through with an RBI in Game 1 and is a better defensive option at third than <span>Casey McGehee</span> and there's no reason to think that Ron Roenicke would sit <span>Yuniesky Betancourt</span> (who had a triple on Saturday) in favor of the light-hitting lefty <span>Craig Counsell</span>.</p>
<p>For the Diamondbacks, it is likely we will see <span>Paul Goldschmidt</span> get the start at first after Kirk Gibson gave the Game 1 nod to <span>Lyle Overbay</span> due to his career numbers at Miller Park and a few good appearances against <span>Yovani Gallardo</span>. </p>
<p>Beyond that, it will probably still be <span>Ryan Roberts</span> at third (he homered in Game 1) and <span>Willie Bloomquist</span> at short (two hits in Game 1). But with Gibson, you never really know and he could go with <span>John McDonald</span> at short and/or <span>Geoff Blum</span> at third if the numbers or his gut tell him something. </p>
<p>We will post the Game 2 lineups once they are announced.</p>
<p><b>NLDS Game 2 TV Schedule and start time</b></p>
<p>Game 2 of the NLDS is schedule to start at 2:07 p.m. Arizona time (5:07 p.m. ET) and will be broadcast on TBS. If the early game (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>) goes long, look for this game to begin on TNT.</p>
<p>Calling the game for TBS will be Victor Rojas, Joe Simpson, Sam Ryan. If you are at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> game in Glendale and want to keep up, bring a small radio and listen on 620am.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on this NLDS series, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">AZ Snake Pit </a>and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brew Crew Ball</a>.</i></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/10/2/2463746/2011-mlb-playoffs-arizona-diamondbacks-vs-milwaukee-brewers-game-2-lineups-schedule-tv-infoSeth Pollack2011-10-01T09:19:59-07:002011-10-01T09:19:59-07:00MLB Playoffs: Diamondbacks Playoff Roster Includes Jarrod Parker
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> released their roster for the start of 2011 MLB Playoffs. The 25 players that will be eligible to take the field in the NLDS series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> includes the expected names like <span>Justin Upton</span> and <span>Ian Kennedy</span> but also a surprise addition with rookie <span>Jarrod Parker</span>.</p>
<p>Parker has a total of five innings pitched in the major leagues but made the roster as a possible long reliever or spot starter over fellow rookie <span>Wade Miley</span> who's started seven games (4-2, 4.50 ERA). Also left off the bullpen roster are lefties <span>Zach Duke</span> and Alberto Castillo.</p>
<p>Manager Kirk Gibson has only two lefties at all and one of them is likely Game 3 starter <span>Joe Saunders</span>. <span>Joe Paterson</span> is the only left-handed reliever available out the pen.</p>
<p>The Brewers only have two regular hitters in the lineup that bat from the left side but they are both dangerous --<span>Prince Fielder</span> and <span>Nyjer Morgan</span>. Gibson is likely counting on his starters going six or seven innings so he can turn the ball over to <span>David Hernandez</span> in the eight and <span>J.J. Putz</span> in the ninth. </p>
<p>Parker wasn't called up to the team until the middle of September which left some question if he was even eligible but apparently he was allowed to replace only of the eligible players who are on the disabled list (Xavier Nady or Jason Marquis).</p>
<p>The Diamondbacks can reset their playoff roster and put a few more lefties in the bullpen should they advance to the NLCS should the match-ups dictate that.</p>
<p>There were no surprises with the position players that made the roster.</p>
<p>Here's the Diamondbacks playoff roster for the 2011 MLB NLDS:</p>
<p><b>PITCHERS (11)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
<p>No. 15 <span>Micah Owings</span> RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 29 <span>Brad Ziegler</span> RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 30 David Hernandez RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 31 Ian Kennedy RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 34 Joe Saunders LHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 39 <span>Bryan Shaw</span> RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 40 J.J. Putz RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 41 <span>Daniel Hudson</span> RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 47 Joe Paterson LHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 55 <span>Josh Collmenter</span> RHP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 56 Jarrod Parker RHP</p>
<p><b>CATCHERS (2)</b></p>
<p><u></u></p>
<p>No. 12 <span>Henry Blanco</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 26 <span>Miguel Montero</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <b>INFIELDERS (8)</b></p>
<p>No. 2 <span>Aaron Hill</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 11 <span>Sean Burroughs</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 14 <span>Ryan Roberts</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 16 <span>John McDonald</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 18 <span>Willie Bloomquist</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 27 <span>Geoff Blum</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 37 <span>Lyle Overbay</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 44 <span>Paul Goldschmidt</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <b>OUTFIELDERS (4)</b></p>
<p>No. 4 <span>Collin Cowgill</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 8 <span>Gerardo Parra</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 10 Justin Upton<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>No. 24 Chris Young</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/10/1/2462045/2011-mlb-playoffs-diamondbacks-playoff-roster-jarrod-parkerSeth Pollack2011-09-30T18:33:32-07:002011-09-30T18:33:32-07:00MLB Playoffs: Diamondbacks, Gibson Ready For War
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<p>The <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> are expecting tight games and a full battle when they face the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Brewers</a> in the 2011 NLDS. Manager Kirk Gibson wouldn't have it any other way.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;">"If I could script it out it wouldn't be an easy thing. The tougher the better. Love it. My team will be ready for it," Gibson told the media in Milwaukee on Friday.</span></p>
<p>Gibson is always looking for an edge and one way he's doing that is by waiting until the last possible moment to announce his playoff roster and pitching rotations. </p>
<p>The D-backs traveled with 30 players to Milwaukee including young RHP <span>Jarrod Parker</span> who could only be added to the roster as an injury replacement since he wasn't called up until after the September 1st deadline. Relief pitchers <span>Ryan Cook</span>, Zack Duke and Albert Castillo are also on the bubble for making the roster which will be announced on Saturday morning.</p>
<p>The only information Gibson would allow is that <span>Ian Kennedy</span> would take the ball in Game 1 and <span>Daniel Hudson</span> in Game 2. We expect to see LHP <span>Joe Saunders</span> in Game 3 but it is possible that Gibson goes with RHP <span>Josh Collmenter</span> who had success in two starts against the right-handed heavy Brewers lineup.</p>
<p>Ian Kennedy talked about his opponent and repeated the obvious, saying the Ryan Braun and <span>Prince Fielder</span> are a big part of the Brewers offense. But when asked if he was concerned about them or anyone else he showed his confidence.</p>
<p>"Personally, there's no one that really concerns me," Kennedy said.</p>
<p><i>Notes:</i></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Gibson stressed his team's ability to deal with anything that comes along was a reflection of a spring training visit by US Navy SEAL team members. The special forces warriors explained their "DWI" mentality as the key to being able to "deal with it", no matter what you have to overcome. The D-backs have come from behind to win 48 times, the best in the MLB.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Gibson first met Prince Fielder when he was a kid living two blocks from Kirk when he played in Detroit. Prince's father, Cecil was teammate with Gibson and brought young Prince to the field to hit. Gibson said the future Brewers slugger was hitting upper deck shots when he was in eight and ninth grade.</span></li>
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<p><b><i>For more on this NLDS series, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com">AZ Snake Pit </a>and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewcrewball.com">Brew Crew Ball</a>.</i></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/9/30/2461150/2011-mlb-playoffs-milwaukee-brewers--greinke-diamondbacks-expectSeth Pollack2011-09-30T17:21:21-07:002011-09-30T17:21:21-07:00MLB Playoffs: Brewers Panic Move Starting Greinke In Game 2
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<p>The <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Brewers</a> blinked first in thier 2011 NLDS series with the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>. Manager Ron Roenicke <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jsonline.com%2Fblogs%2Fsports%2F130878058.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2Farizona-diamondbacks%2F2011%2F9%2F30%2F2461228%2F2011-mlb-playoffs-brewers-panic-move-zack-greinke-game-2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">announced </a>Friday that pitcher <span>Zack Greinke</span> will start Game 2 of the series on three-days rest. Greinke also pitched on short rest on Wednesday to help the Brewers win home field advantage.</p>
<p>Roenicke asking his pitcher to throw on short rest for two consecutive games for the first time in his career shows how little confidence he has in Greinke's ability to win on the road.</p>
<p>It's a decision we have a hard time seeing Kirk Gibson ever making. Not to put words in his mouth, but it's likely he would see it as "giving in" to the situation. Even if he doesn't see it that way, I do.</p>
<p>Greinke is 11-0 at home with a 3.13 ERA and 5-6 on the road with a 4.70 ERA which is likely why the move was made. He lost at Chase field in July in a 4-0 game but went seven innings and only gave up two of those runs.</p>
<p>Greinke threw 108 pitches on Saturday, 74 on Wednesday and will go again on Sunday for his third start in eight days.</p>
<p>Even the decision to rush Greinke to the mound on Wednesday showed a lack of faith in the rest of his rotation.</p>
<p><span>It's the kind of high-risk moves managers make that can easily backfire and certainly is a sign that </span>Roenicke <span>doesn't have full confidence in his team to deliver in any situation. Maybe it will work, but it sure does smell like over-managing.</span></p>
<p><b>[Update, 09/30/11 5:49 PM MST ]</b></p>
<p>Brewers blog<a href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/2011/9/30/2461260/no-starting-zack-greinke-sunday-is-not-a-panic-move" target="_blank"> Brew Crew Ball</a> responded to this view of things. They don't see things the same way:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/2011/9/30/2461260/no-starting-zack-greinke-sunday-is-not-a-panic-move">No, Starting Zack Greinke Sunday Is Not A "Panic Move." </a><br>Simply put, there's no reason to believe that Ron Roenicke or anyone else in the organization is forcing Greinke onto the mound to avoid the alternatives. They're doing everything they can to put their best possible team on the field at home this weekend, and I think that's commendable.</p>
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<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/822456/205082_Brewers_White_Sox_Spring_Baseball.jpg"><img width="291" height="195" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/822456/205082_Brewers_White_Sox_Spring_Baseball_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="205082_brewers_white_sox_spring_baseball_medium"></a></p>
<p><i>Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke (10) takes the ball from starter Zack Greinke as catcher Wil Nieves, left, walks to the mound during the second inning of spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/9/30/2461228/2011-mlb-playoffs-brewers-panic-move-zack-greinke-game-2Seth Pollack2011-09-30T12:05:40-07:002011-09-30T12:05:40-07:00MLB Playoffs: Diamondbacks Vs. Brewers By The Numbers
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<p>On paper, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> are similar teams. They also share small market challenges (although the Brewers payroll is $32m higher) and both teams have an aggressive mentality and approach to the game.</p>
<p>Despite the similarities, there are of course differences that come up as we put together these quick stats and key facts from both teams. </p>
<p><u>Hitting</u></p>
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">During the regular season the Milwaukee Brewers hit for an average of .261 which ranked 8<sup>th</sup> in Major League Baseball. </span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Diamondbacks hit for an average of .250 which ranked 19<sup>th</sup> in Major League Baseball. </span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Brewers hit 185 home runs as a team and the Diamondbacks hit 172 as a team. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Brewers had a team on base percentage of .325, and the Diamondbacks had an on base percentage of .322. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Ryan Braun led the Brewers in hitting with an average of .332. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Prince Fielder</span> led the Brewers in home runs (38) and RBI's (120). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Braun finished second in both categories with 33 home runs and 111 RBI's. </span></li>
</ul>
<p>The Diamondbacks have less impressive offensive statistics.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Gerardo Parra</span> leads the Diamondbacks in average with .292. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Justin Upton</span> leads the team in every other major offensive category. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Upton finished with: 31 home runs, 88 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Overall the Diamondbacks have less <a name="_GoBack"></a>firepower than the Brewers. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">While the Brewers have two players that have over 30 home runs. The Diamondbacks only have Upton. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Chris Young is second on the team with 20 home runs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Diamondbacks proved to be the more aggressive team on the base paths. The D-backs stole 133 bases while the Brewers stole 94. Arizona stole more bases than the Brewers attempted to steal. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><u>Pitching</u></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Brewers had a team ERA of 3.63 which was good for 7<font size="1">th</font> in Major League Baseball. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Diamondbacks had a team ERA of 3.80 good for 9<font size="1">th</font> in Major League Baseball. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Diamondbacks are lead by Cy Young candidate <span>Ian Kennedy</span>. Kennedy finished with 21 wins (tied for most in NL) and was top ten in ERA. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Starters <span>Daniel Hudson</span> and <span>Josh Collmenter</span> both finished with ERA's under 3.50. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>J.J. Putz</span> held down the much improved D-backs bullpen; converting 45 of 49 saves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>David Hernandez</span> finished with a 3.38 ERA as the setup man, he struck out 77 in 69.1 innings pitched and converted 11 of 14 saves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Brewers were lead ace <span>Yovani Gallardo</span>. Gallardo lead the Brewers in wins (17), ERA (3.52), and strikeouts (207). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Zach Greinke was second in wins with 16 and hat 201 strikeouts in 171.2 innings pitched. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Shawn Marcum finished tied for third on the team in wins (13), he finished second in ERA (3.54), and Marcum lead the team in WHIP (1.16). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>John Axford</span> converted 46 of 48 saves and finished with 1.95 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 73.2 IP. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Fransisco Rodriguez is the setup man, he finished with a 2.64 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 71.2 innings pitched. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Brewers and the Diamondbacks are almost identical when it comes to pitching. Both finished in the top ten in team ERA, both teams elite closers and solid bulpens. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><u>Head to Head</u></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks played seven games this season. The Diamondbacks won 2 of 3 in Milwaukee and the teams split 2-2 in Arizona. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Miguel Montero</span> went 8-20 against the Brewers with 6 RBI's. Gerardo Parra went 7-21 with 3 RBI's, and Chris Young struggled against the Brewers going 5-25 with only 1 RBI. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Three of the four starting pitchers for the Diamondbacks have quality numbers against the Brewers this season. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Ian Kennedy had one start and threw 7 shutout innings striking out 5. <span>Joe Saunders</span> started once; he threw 7 innings gave up 2 ER and 5 hits. Josh Collmenter started twice against the Brewers. He pitched 14 innings, not allowing a run and striking out 10. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The only starter for the Diamondbacks the struggled against the Brewers was Daniel Hudson. Hudson had one start and threw 4 innings and gave up 5 ER and 8 hits.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Ryan Braun played in only 3 of the 7 meetings this season. Braun went 5-12 with 4 RBI's. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Fielder struggled against the D-Backs. Fielder went 6-27 with only 2 RBI's. The</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Diamondbacks hit <span>Randy Wolf</span> very hard. Wolf pitched 13.1 innings, he gave up 18 hits and 9 ER. Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo started 2 of the 7 games. He pitched 13 innings giving up 8 hits and 2 ER. </span></li>
</ul>
<p>One big advantage for the D-backs in this series is defense. Arizona is a top-ten defensive club by most available measures while the Brewers are bottom third. In a close series, defense could be the difference.</p>
<p>For more advanced statistical look at this series, check out these links:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/2011/9/30/2458585/diamondbacks-brewers-nlds">Tale of the Tape: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers - AZ Snake Pit</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Saturday sees the start of the National League Division series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers. It looks set to be a intriguing series, already described by one neutral as having "the makings of the most competitive first-round matchup." Arizona won the regular-season series 4-3, but last faced Milwaukee on July 21. Since then, the Brewers have been the hottest team in baseball, going 43-19. However, the D-backs are not far behind, with a 41-22 record. Let's take a look at each position and see how the teams stack up.</span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2011/9/30/2459697/2011-mlb-playoff-nlds-preview-diamondbacks-vs-brewers">2011 MLB Playoff NLDS Preview: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers - Beyond the Box Score</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Both teams are capable of getting men on base (league-average OBP), and then driving them home with some significant power (+6/7% slugging, +14% and +21% HR/FB ratios). The issue in this series will be the run prevention, particularly how Arizona handles the Brewers offense on the road.</span>
</li>
</ul>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2011/9/30/2460608/2011-mlb-playoffs-diamondbacks-vs-brewers-by-the-numbersSeth Pollack