Analysis: Jake Peavy

The Brewers will go for a road sweep against the San Diego Padres this afternoon, but Jake Peavy stands in their way. The battle of Ben Sheets and Peavy should be one of the top pitching match-ups that we will see on the Brewers schedule this season.

Peavy is coming off a 19-6, 2.54, 9.67K/9 season and while his win-loss record is not as good, standing at 8-8, his other numbers are all still very strong. His ERA stands at a mere 2.68, his K/9 is at 8.81, opponents are only hitting .235 against him.

What has changed for Peavy? Well he isn't getting the run support this season, 2.6 runs this season compared to 4.3 last season. His HR/FB is back to a normal level, after sitting at an amazing 5.8 last season.

Peavy will throw a fastball, slider, cutter, and mix in a rare change. His fastball averages 92 mph, and he throws it 57% of the time. He has found the strike zone at a rate of 63% this season, with is down two percentage points from last season.

This should be an amazing battle, and it will be interesting to see if Peavy avoids a red hot Prince Fielder at all costs or challenges him with the attitude of nothing to lose.