The Psychology of the Postponement

Since yesterday's postponement, much virtual ink has been spilled on how the postponed game helps the Phillies because they can now pitch 3 more left-handers at the Rockies. As I've discussed before, the Rockies win one of every two games started by a LHP this season, which means presumbly that they would win one of the next two, and it would be a toss-up on game 5. But if you split the stats into Coors field and not Coors field, LHP have performed horribly here going only 10-19 against the Rockies. That would indicate a 2 out of 3 advantage for the Rockies and if those two are the two games that are played, then the Rockies win the series.

Happ has faced 7 batters at Coors field, giving up one hit on opening day. He also shut out the Rockies at Citizens Bank in a complete game in his only start against Colorado. That was a 7-0 game and the Phillies got 4 runs in the first couple of innings to give him breathing room. On the downside, his ERA is over 2 points better on the Road than at home. 1.99 vs. 4.18. But on the positive side, it can't get any lower for the Rockies here than it was in Philadelphia against him.

There are not too many Stadiums that Cliff Lee hasn't pitched in, but Coors Field is one of them. Both times he has faced the Rockies has been in CBP, and he has certainly been good. Another pitcher that I'd rather have here than back in Philadelphia in Game 5. It was inevitable we would see him again if it went the distance, the coldout may help us there.

It surprised me to find out that Cole Hamels has faced the Rockies more times in the Postseason than in the Regular Season. And the Rockies have beaten him all 3 times:

October 3, 2007 Rockies 4, Phillies 2. Hamels 6 2/3 IP 3 Runs 3 Hits 4 BB, 7 K. 4.05 ERA
April 10, 2009 Rockies 10, Phillies 3. Hamels 3 2/3 IP 7 Runs 11 Hits 17.18 ERA
October 8, 2009 Rockies 5, Phillies 4. Hamels 5 IP 4 runs, 7 Hits 5 K 7.20 ERA
Totals 15 1/3 IP 14 R 21 Hits 8.22 ERA

That's the guy I want to be going up against in a series deciding game.

From the Rockies side, it also helps the pitching. Jason Hammel could be the secret weapon nobody is talking about. He consistently gives up 2-4 runs per start, so the key is to get runs on Happ as early as they can.

Bypassing Marquis to get to both Jimenez and Cook again, only helps the Rockies chances. Plus Marquis can continue to work out of the bullpen.

So overall, it's not a huge advantage to either team. Both are going to have to work harder to win the series, against each team's best pitchers.

And that's the way the Postseason should be decided, not on some fluke play in bad weather caused by MLB trying to force teams to stay on schedule.