Diamondbacks-Reds Series Preview: Deadline Week

Jul 7, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Oliver Perez against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s celebrate everybody! It’s finally Trade Deadline Week! Sure the Diamondbacks are taking on the Reds in Cincinnati for a three game series to continue their road trip, but let’s be real, the trade deadline which is four days away is the big story in Phoenix and around Major League Baseball.

The Dbacks will be conservative sellers and might not do anything. If they do make a trade, the Snakes will probably trade a reliever namely either Oliver Perez or Brad Ziegler with Perez being the more likely option. Aaron Hill and Martin Prado could get traded buts it’s not likely. Keep your eye on all the rumors. Here is a preview of a three game series with the Reds who are competing for the N.L Central crown but have injury issues.

Game 1: RHP Chase Anderson vs. RHP Homer Bailey

Anderson has been inconsistent this year, but when he is on he is on. Anderson has pitched well in his last two starts compiling a 2.25 era in those two outings. He won his first five starts but then lost his last four. Keep an eye on Anderson. He is contending for a spot in the 2015 rotation. Bailey has had a lot of success in his career throwing two no hitters, and almost throwing a third. He took a no-decision in his last start. His home era is nearly a full run better than his road era at 3.75.

Game 2: RHP Trevor Cahill vs. RHP Mike Leake

I saw Trevor Cahill’s last start against Detroit, and it wasn’t good. He didn’t walk a batter, but he was all over the strike zone. He allowed seven runs, with only three being earned. To me he is not a good fit, and he should be traded or released. Mike Leake has really struggled in the second half, compiling a 4.71 era since June. His era against Arizona is 5.84.

Game 3: LHP Wade Miley vs. RHP Alfredo Simon

Miley was on an impressive four game role before he slipped up in his last start against the Phillies. He never had a feel for any of his pitches, and allowed 6 runs in 5 innings. Simon, a 2014 All Star, is 0-2 with a 4.82 era since the break. Before the break, he was 12-3 with an era under 3 creating a great 1-2 punch of Jonny Cueto and Simon.

Stats of the day: The Snakes rank 19th in the majors with a 10.8 Offensive WAR and have a .311 wOBA. The pitching staff strikes out batters at the 10th highest rate in baseball and have a 3.91 FIP.

Series Prediction: Before I make this prediction, keep in mind that the Reds are without Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. think the Diamondbacks will loose Game 1 just because Bailey is better at home and Anderson is inconsistent. Cahill and Leake have struggled but Cahill is worse. In game 3 I think Miley will get the better of Simon because of their recent track records. The Reds will take 2 out of 3.