What? Wait, No.

by R.J. Anderson on May 23, 2008 4:50 PM EDT

• Looks like a year of adjustment was all Daisuke Matsuzaka needed.

Now Heyman doesn't specify exactly what trait he's discussing but let's hope it's not baseball, and more so pitching. Just take a look at his peripherals from this and last year:

2007: 8.84 K/9, 3.52 BB/9, 2.51 K/BB, 18 LD%, .306 BABIP

2008: 7.95 K/9, 5.70 BB/9, 1.39 K/BB, 17.8 LD%, .242 BABIP

Perhaps Heyman said this sarcastically -- I hope -- or he was discussing Matsuzaka's improved English skills. We all know how hard it is for Japanese battery mates to communicate with their American counterparts -- right Jarrod Washburn? Obviously it would seem that Matsuzaka should benefit from a year, but he's not at this point, and to assume so simply based on an improved ERA and 8-0 record is simply mindblowing. I'm confident his numbers will drift to reality, but if the season ended today it's quite possible a pitcher with a 5.7 BB/9 would win the Cy Young.

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That 5.70 BB/9 ratio is absolutely terrifying.

If Daniel Cabrera and Edwin Jackson have much better control than you (at least so far this season), that’s probably not a good thing.

"I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation." - Satchel Paige

by Steve Slowinski on May 23, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

The BBWAA is scary.

There was a segment on Dice-K on Around the Horn today. The host threw out his inflated WHIP and ridiculous walk totals as signs that he might in for some rough sailing ahead, but that genius Bill Plaschke immediately said “Who cares about that stuff! Did we forget about ERA! It’s 2.40!!” and continued to fawn over how “unhittable” he’s been.

I watch that show simply for the facepalm moments.

by Junker23 on May 23, 2008 11:57 PM EDT reply actions