I believe we are getting tremendous value here in the pitching match up, the bullpen advantage, and the offense. The Rockies value is sky high right now they lead the majors with a .990 OPS, but just like last year that number will shrink on the road especially against good pitching. To put it in perspective the Rockies had a .808 OPS at home last year ranked #3, but on the road they had a .672 OPS ranked 25th. The Rockies also are 14-38 in their last 52 as a road dog and 16-35 in their last 51 when visiting the Giants. They'll face Matt Cain on Saturday...
Matt Cain had an off year last year and we get value because of that along with his rough start to this year. However, all indications look good from his raw stats that he's due for a bounce back year as his velocity looks sharp and his line drive % is down from 22.4 % last year. His issue on the road was the long ball and now he gets to come home to the Giants friendly pitcher park that ranked 28th in HR/9. Matt Cain's overall stats vs. the Rockies are again nothing special when you look at his overall career, but at home he has been solid posting a 2.36 ERA in 34.1 IP with a 1.11 WHIP over the last three years. IN 174 AB they have a combined .689 OPS. Even though the Rockies are off to a fast start hitting their pitcher won't be supported by a bullpen like the Giants who post a 2.25 ERA on the season and a 0.64 ERA at home.
The Rockies bullpen is far more rocky posting a 6.19 ERA on the road and a 4.93 overall. The Giants get to face another lefty in consecutive days in Brett Anderson. The Giants are tearing up LHP ranking 3rd right now in OPS and #1 in BB's. That's big because Brett Anderson as talented as he once was has major control issues and has not looked good this year with a loss in velocity as well. I believe the Giants will work themselves into better pitcher counts and they should get to Brett Anderson and continue their success vs. LHP this year.
