Daisuke for Cy Young

Most of the criticism directed at Daisuke seems to be centered around the fact that people think he is insanely lucky and otherwise is a mediocre pitcher. Certainly, certain metrics indicate he is indeed lucky. He has a low BABIP, strands a lot of runners, high WHIP, and has a fielding independent ERA much higher than his actual ERA.

However, I really believe that Daisuke pitches is pitching better/smarter/more effectively this season even though he is still pitching himself into jams. The main difference between this season and last is Daisuke's home run rate. Last year 25 HR were hit against him at a rate of 1.10 per 9 innings (10th worst among AL starters). This season, he has only given up 5 home runs at a rate of 0.48 per 9 innings (4th best among AL starters w/ 90 IP). Without the homeruns, the ERA has improved considerably.

I looked over his game logs to find the 12PA in which the bases were loaded against him. In 9 of the 12 situations it was with 2 outs. In all 9 of those situations he got the third out.

I believe that with runners on, Daisuke doesn't mind loading the bases knowing that he can make the next out. The batters that he has faced with two outs and the bases loaded have not been very good either, so that plays into his approach too.

Last year Daisuke's OPS+ with RISP was 79 compared with an overall OPS+ of 93
This year Daisuke's OPS+ with RISP is 54 compared with an overall OPS+ of 72

At some point you might have to consider that his so-called "luck" could be a function of the way he believes he can be most effective (nibbling, walking a lot of guys, i.e. not giving up extra base hits) and a higher degree of focus/determination that comes when he has runners on base. All reasons why he will be a Cy Young candidate by the end of the season.

Caleb did make a good point about K-Rod. If he breaks the Saves record, he definitely should get the Cy Young. You got to think he's the front runner right now.

This is Awesome

"The laughter, the celebrations; I’m still going to get fined and still going to have Cincinnati on the edge of its seat," Johnson said. "I am going to mature in some way, I just don’t know how it will be."

Could it be?

Just in case nobody checks the standings page today, I want to preserve this sure to be fleeting moment.

Slow discussion these days...

...what's a matter? Everyone given up? Bill is only 2 measely points ahead of MZ right now! Show some fight people!

New Pete Rose Legacy Goal - 20 points by end of season.

Derby Results

Team	Home Runs
Don't Trade Roberts	66
Berkeley Hoboes	0
Dusty's Base Cloggers	0
Mandrew & the Vorpies	0
Yooouuuk!	0
Pete Rose Legacy	0

Over?

Entering the all star break I have 5 players on the DL, my best pitcher is now playing for the Cubs, I have received a whole 7 saves from my premier closer, and my pitching rotation would only make the Texas Rangers jealous.

Over?

Another one bites the dust...

Another AL pitcher goes down, with McGowan now out for the season with a torn rotator cuff. In the last week we've lost two aces: CC Sabathia (he doesn't like the periods in his first name anymore) and Rich Hardin, the guy who would have replaced Hardin in the rotation (Gaudin), and McGowan, a guy who I thought would turn it around based on his second half last year, and his underlying numbers. Pitching just got even thinner, and could continue to do so, if the Jays decide to dump any more pitchers.