Carlos Carrasco struck out 15 batters on his start on September 25th. He tossed a one hit shutout in that game. In his final start of the season he allowed five runs in three innings to end his season on a down note. Overall though he was really good. Carlos won 14 games and did something I thought he couldn’t – reach 180-innings pitched. He barely hit the limit at 183.2, but he did make it. When he was on the bump he displayed elite skills. Carrasco struck out 10.58 batters per nine. Elite. He walked 2.11 batters per nine. Not elite, but right on the cusp. His 5.02 K/BB ratio is elite. His 1.07 WHIP is elite. The 3.63 ERA ain’t great, but obviously plays in any league. Toss in the 51 percent ground ball rate, a dead on match for his career mark, and you have everything I’m personally looking for in a pitcher. Guy just needs to stay healthy. By the by, the Indians had four pitchers whiff at least 170 batters in 2015: Corey Kluber 236, Carrasco 216, Danny Salazar 189 and Bauer 170. The Indians became the first team in American League history to have four pitchers with 170 strikeouts. Two teams in the National League accomplished the goal: 1969 Astros and the 1990 Mets.
Jason Hammel threw five shutout innings Thursday to end a highly productive 2015 campaign. He only won 10 games, but he posted a 3.74 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. He also struck out 172 batters over 170.2 innings and he walked a total of 40 batters all season – 2.11 per nine. The only part of his game I don’t like is his mere 38 percent ground ball rate which has led to a 1.20 HR/9 mark the last two seasons (1.25 in 2015). I could get over that if not for his propensity to end up injured. Hammel has never thrown 180-innings in a season. He’s hit the 170 plateau five times, but he just can’t seem to extend himself beyond that. I would add him in all leagues if the price was right in 2016, but I just can’t reach on a guy who can’t be trusted to make 30-starts.
Did you realize it’s Halloween month? You don’t think that the Oracle forgot to notice, did you?
Jon Lester made it through 205 innings for a fourth straight season. He’s also thrown 190-innings in each of the last eight seasons. He didn’t match the 2.46 ERA and 1.10 WHIP he posted last season, it was never going to happen, but his 3.34 ERA and 1.12 WHIP are still really good numbers. He also struck out 207 batters, his fourth season of 200-strikeouts. He’s a “new” pitcher. Check out his walk rate per nine the last six years (the final number is 2015): 3.59, 3.52, 2.98, 2.83, 1.97 and 2.06. That’s two seasons with a walk rate per nine that is a full batter below his career rate. He’s a horse who takes the ball and pretty much always keeps his team in the game. From July 1st on, a stretch of 17 starts, Lester had a 2.80 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and a 6.05 K/BB ratio. That’s some kind of pitching.
My neighbor is a photographer and today he was taking photos of what looked like three families, and I’m guessing about nine kids under the age of 10. I wish I could drink while working… kids are great, but that’s just too many running around the driveway. At least none are mine.
Drew Smyly made all of 12 starts this season as he dealt with shoulder woes. It’s only 66.2 innings, but his work over that time is supremely encouraging. Smyly posted a 3.11 ERA, had a 1.17 WHIP and struck out 77 batters. All those numbers impress. Let’s look back further. Going back to the start of last season, 40 outings covering 219.2 innings. Smyly has 14 victories, an 8.60 K/9, 2.54 BB/9 and a 3.20 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Don’t forget about him next year. Can’t see how it will be possible since I will be telling everyone about him all offseason.
Gatorade has what in common with a billion dollars?
Marcus Stroman is a medical marvel. He somehow returned from a torn ACL in less than five months, and that’s unheard of. Since he’s returned he’s made four starts with a 1.67 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He’s also sporting a 3.00 K/BB ratio. Through 157.2 innings in his career Stroman has a 3.31 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.79 K/BB ratio and 129 strikeouts. He should be on everyone’s draft list next season. He’s got an elite arm, doesn’t walk many, and simply needs innings to become a fantasy force.
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