Ian Kennedy – Padre Killer

At the start of each series, we at Chicken Friars will zero in on an opposing player known to be a “Padre Killer.” No matter the day, time or place, this player is known to be a one-man wrecking crew when it comes to playing against the San Diego Padres.

In this column, I will analyze that player’s statistics against the Friars and try to offer some insight into how not to let that player beat our beloved team.

The Padres finally have a chance to get out of the N.L.West cellar, in order to do so, they need to handle their business against the Arizona Diamondbacks during this three game set at Chase Field.

The D-Backs have been a disappointment so far this season as they sit in third place (39-39) in the division. Nonetheless, the D-Backs are still a force to be reckoned with.

In the last series that was played between these two teams, Justin Upton was featured as a Padre Killer. But Upton isn’t the only one on the D-Backs roster who kills the Padres.

Ian Kennedy, the ace of the D-Backs staff, is also a Padre Killer. He loves to pitch against the Friars and his statistics show this.

The Padres batters are in for busy day of work come Wednesday, when Kennedy is scheduled to take the mound against the Friars.

The Southern California native is just as dominant when pitching at home.

In 40 career starts at Chase Field, Kennedy is 18-8 with a 3.39 ERA with 231 strikeouts against 64 walks.

The only way I’d go after Kennedy is by having Padres batters’ swing at the first pitch they see.  Don’t let Kennedy settle down and get in a grove. Disrupting his timing is the best way to get to him.

Statistics Courtesy of: Baseball Reference