Ryan Doumit vs. Giants
In his seven seasons in the National League in Pittsburgh (2005-11), Ryan Doumit established one hardcore trait: He loved the trips to California. A career .267 hitter entering the weekend, Doumit was transformed on the West Coast, accumulating a .300 average in San Diego’s Petco Park and a .340 average in Dodger Stadium.
The Giants’ AT&T Park is no exception. In 59 career games in San Francisco, Doumit has hit .318 (14-for-44) and while his power numbers there are unremarkable (two doubles, two triples, no home runs), he has proven a tough out (.360 OBA) and the Braves could use a little of that lately.
Doumit’s biggest challenge with the Braves has been getting on the field. He started just five of the club’s first 33 games, which is about right for a third catcher/fifth outfielder. And that he has hit .158 as a starter hardly makes him Option A for manager Fredi Gonzalez. But against Tim Lincecum (career .308 average), who the Braves are slated to face Monday, the odds improve.
Adam Wainwright vs. Braves
For the second time in 12 days, the Braves face one of their biggest regrets. After shutting down the Braves 7- 1 last Wednesday in Atlanta, Adam Wainwright takes another shot at his former organization next Sunday in St. Louis, where is winning percentage is .632 (55-32). His eight career wins against Atlanta are the most against any team outside the NL Central. After allowing one run in eight innings Wednesday, his career ERA against his former organization dropped to 2.61.
In 2003, before the 22-year-old Wainwright had thrown his first pitch in the majors, the Braves traded him with Jason Marquis and Ray King for Eli Marrero and J.D. Drew, who played just one season in Atlanta before fleeing to free agency. Since joining the Cards’ rotation in 2007, Wainwright has recorded 103 victories, was twice runner-up for the Cy Young award and won two Gold Gloves.
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