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MLB Betting – Colorado Rockies @ Philadelphia Phillies
Aaron Cook (4-5) vs. Roy Halladay (10-8)

Aaron Cook vs. Phillies Hitting
Aaron Cook’s last start was one of the best of his season; seven innings pitched with no runs allowed and five strikeouts in a big win against Cincinnati. Not only did it break a Rockies three-game losing streak, but it was a huge comeback game for Cook personally. In the previous game, Cook has allowed five runs and 10 hits in just five innings pitched. Those type of bounce back games will be key for Colorado coming down the stretch, and for Cook himself, whose numbers this season (4-5, 4.56 ERA) may have the Rockies looking for an upgrade.

Cook has faced the Phillies hitters plenty of times in the past, and the results have not always been pretty for the right-hander. Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins each have over 20-at bats against Cook, and both are sporting .400+ batting averages. Jayson Werth is 4-for-12 against Cook with four RBI’s. According to the numbers, the only chance Cook will escape unharmed is if he faces a lineup full of Shane Victorino’s. The Flying Hawaiian is hitting just .063 against Cook (1-for-16).

Roy Halladay vs. Rockies Hitting

As good as 10 wins and a 2.40 ERA may be for most pitchers, this season has been a bit of a letdown for Roy Halladay. Predicted by many to win well over 20 games, Halladay’s win total has been derailed by a mixture of uncharacteristically poor outings and poor run support. In his last start, Doc allowed five runs in six innings pitched in a loss against the Cubs. The start before he pitched nine innings of shutout ball, and was rewarded with a no-decision. None of this is to suggest Halladay isn’t at the top of the pitching class anymore; he’s still the best in the business.

With Todd Helton is a season-long slump, those into sports betting know that Carlos Gonzalez has stepped up as the team’s offensive leader. Gonzalez leads the team in home runs (17), batting average (.308) and RBI’s (61), and has been the lone bright spot on a Rockies offense that has been inconsistent since the all-star break. They scored only four runs in a three-game set against Cincinnati, but followed that by scoring 18 runs in their next two games. With Halladay on the mound, they better be at the top of the roller coaster or else it’s going to be a very bumpy ride.

Bullpen Comparison

The Rockies have a solid bullpen; nothing too great, nothing too horrible. After battling injuries, Huston Street has retaken control of the bullpen, and has put up some pretty decent numbers. The workhorse of the group is Matt Belisle, who has thrown 56 1/3 innings with a small 2.72 ERA. Guys like Franklin Morales (6.75 ERA) and Esmil Rogers (4.85 ERA) aren’t necessarily helping, but that’s what the trade deadline is for.
A bullpen still looking for its identity, its inconsistency is helping aid the Phillies downfall. The team of Ryan Madsen and Brad Lidge has only 11 saves, and has combined six blown saves between them. Jose Contreras is still solid, but his ERA has blown up after allowing five runs in 2/3 of an innings last week against Chicago. Help is definitely needed in Philly.

Outlook
It’s hard to make a good sports bet against Roy Halladay, so I’m not going to do it. Doc has proven himself a winner his entire career, and is very good at bouncing back from poor starts. The Rockies are in a bit a slump, and seeing the ace of the Philadelphia Phillies isn’t going to help matters.

Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

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