Game One: Gallardo vs Hamels

Yovani Gallardo was phenomenal in his rookie season in 2007, but an ACL tear ended his 2008 season before it really got into gear --- well sort of, until he returned to pitch a meaningful game down the stretch of the season to help propel the Brewers into the playoffs. Gallardo showed good velocity in his start, which saw him throw 67 pitches over 4 innings (40 of them for strikes). While the Brewers need to make a statement in game one, don't expect Gallardo to go beyond 75 pitches, and look for Seth McClung who pitched some solid innings against the Cubs to relieve Gallardo in the 5th or 6th inning.

Cole Hamels (14-10 3.09) has been the Phillies ace and draws the opening game slot. The tall lefty throws a fastball, change, and curve. His velocity on the fastball averages at 90 mph, and his change is a good 10 mph slower. He attempts to keep hitters off balance by mixing his pitches and only throwing his fastball around 55% of the time. Hamels has been a model of consistency for the Phillies over the past two season with a fairly even GB/FB ratio, and a HR/FB around 12% (which is good for Citizens Bank Park). Hamels has seen his K/9 decrease over the past three seasons, but is getting tougher to get a hit against (.231 opponent BA this season). He has only went less than 90 pitches in 2 of his 33 starts this season, and is 2-0 against the Brewers in 2008.

Hamels is obviously the better pitcher going into this game -- the Brewers do fair well against lefties, but the questionable Gallardo and unpredictable McClung are no match for the young lefty.

I will examine the offense for both teams tomorrow evening.