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Pirates Vs. Rockies, 17 July 2012

By Charlie Wilmoth
June 30, 2012; Denver, CO USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Christian Friedrich delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Carpenean-US PRESSWIRE
June 30, 2012; Denver, CO USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Christian Friedrich delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Carpenean-US PRESSWIRE

Pirates:

Alex Presley LF
Drew Sutton RF
Andrew McCutchen CF
Casey McGehee 1B
Neil Walker 2B
Pedro Alvarez 3B
Michael McKenry C
Clint Barmes SS
Erik Bedard P

Rockies:

Eric Young RF
Marco Scutaro 2B
Dexter Fowler CF
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Jordan Pacheco 3B
Wilin Rosario C
Josh Rutledge SS
Christian Friedrich P

Friedrich was the Rockies' first-round pick in 2008. He has a 5.60 ERA, and I initially figured he had been pressed into duty due to the Rockies' rotation issues. But when I looked into the numbers I was surprised to see there's a lot of good in there -- he's struck out three times as many batters as he's walked, and his fastball velocity averages about 92 MPH, which is good for a lefty. He was dominant in his last start, against the Phillies. He's also been downright good on the road.

This game, however, is at Coors Field, where Friedrich has an 8.01 ERA in a very small sample (30.1 innings). He's allowed six home runs in that span.

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