Chicago White Sox (33-37) AT Arizona Diamondbacks (38-32)
June 17, 2011 at 9:40 PM EST
Opening Moneyline:  ARI -145, CHW +125
Current Moneyline:  ARI -135, CHW +115
Opening Total:  9
Current Total:  9

SP:  CHW- Edwin Jackson; ARI- Daniel Hudson

This matchup of pitchers tonight features two that were swapped for one another on July 30th of last season.  So far, it has paid off for the Diamondbacks.   Daniel Hudson sports the better record (7-5 vs 4-5) and better ERA (3.82 vs 4.39) and so far the Diamondbacks, much to everyone’s surprise, have been the better team, as well.

The Diamondbacks had the second worst record in the National League last year and their odds to win the world series were +10,000.  Since the trade that brought in Hudson, he has gone 14-6 with a 2.83 ERA.

Hudson has an above average control and command, and his heater is in the 93-95 mph range.  He’s only 24 and made his debut in the majors last season after going 11-4 with a 3.38 ERA at the triple-A level.  Hudson doesn’t have a go-to “out” pitch, but his array of pitches along with his good control should render him an effective starter in the majors — at the minimum.  His PECOTA projection for the year is for a 10-7 record with a 3.80 ERA.

Jackson recorded a no-hitter last season, but hasn’t been as impressive with an 8-7 record and a 3.83 ERA over the same span.   The White Sox have won 12 of Jackson’s 24 starts.

Edwin Jackson began the year in impressive fashion, notching back to back victories, but since that time he has been relatively ineffective.  Over his last 3 starts, his ERA is approaching 5.00.  Last Friday against the A’s, he gave up 2 runs in 6 innings, but the White Sox pen gave up 4 runs in the 9th inning and lost the game 7-5.

Jackson was acquired because of his upside, but with it has come a lot of inconsistency.  Still, last season with the White Sox, after being traded for, 8 of his 11 starts were quality starts (< 3 ERs, 7+ IP).  Now at 27, it’s time for him to turn his upside and prospect potential into some solid pitching.  Every year seems to be the year he becomes dominant, but this year Baseball Prospectus predicted only a 10-10 year with a 4.63 ERA.  Hardly dominant.

Ozzie Guillen is excited to face the Diamondbacks, as it will be a true test of interleague wits.  “We’re going for business – tough business – the Diamondbacks are playing very well. They have a good ballclub, and we have to be aware of that,” he said.

The Diamondbacks closed to within a game and a half of the San Francisco Giants as they won 3-2 yesterday night in 10 innings.  Justin Upton hit his first career walk-off homer and recorded three hits in total.

“It’s awesome,” Upton said. “The fact that we’d just dropped two games and to be able to win in that fashion. It’s hopefully a little bit of a boost for the team.”

The Diamondbacks have homered in 8 straight games and lead the NL with 82 homers.  The White Sox might make for some Arizona fireworks given the fact that they have given up 58 homers this season.

Some betting trends:

The total has gone OVER in 5 of the White Sox’ last 7 games on the road and they are 2-4 SU in their last 6 against the Diamondbacks

Arizona is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games and the total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 7 at home.  The Diamondbacks are 11-5 SU in their last 16 at home and they are 4-2 SU in their last 6 agaisnt the Chicago White Sox.

Tonight’s game will offer a further look at who won the trade from last season.  Hudson seems to be the real deal, though Jackson has out pitched him since the trade.  If the Diamondbacks can continue to be consistent offensively, however, Hudson may get enough run support to pitch mediocre and still win.