Cup o’ coffee tidbits.
Written by Joe Veno on June 25, 2009 – 10:54 AM -- The Big Unit just doesn’t slow down: No, he doesn’t. Over the past 30 days, Randy Johnson has a 3.44 ERA, after beginning the season, well, not all that good. His season FIP is 4.30, which is nothing special, but not terrible either. And give a lot of credit to Randy for not walking anyone since 1992. Not really, but once he straightened out his problem of allowing free passes, he has since become great at not allowing them. Johnson hasn’t allowed more than three walks per nine since 1998. Impressive. What more could one ask for from a 45 year old pitcher?
- Miguel Cabrera learning how to field?: According to UZR, Cabrera has been a positive force defensively at 3.2. Only once in his career has Cabrera posted a positive UZR, and that of course was at third. Now, it seems logical that a third baseman converting to first base should be able to be decent enough. But in Cabrera’s case, it wasn’t some fact that everyone agreed on. He was overweight, and seemingly unmotivated. And his defensive prowess was declining. Yet, here he is, being an above-average 1B thus far. So kudos to him.
- Andrew Miller showing why Florida gave up Miggy: Andrew Miller has a 3.38 FIP. Very good. He strikes out enough (over 7 a game frame) and doesn’t give up home runs. The walks are atrocious thus far, however have been improving over the last month. Miller is a very talented lefty that could take a page out of Randy Johnson’s brain in order to become the dominant pitcher we think that he can become. But don’t forget, he is still learning this game at the age of 24.
- JP Howell the best reliever in the AL?: Seems to be just about the conclusion that Fangraphs drew this morning. I don’t doubt that Howell is good, but the best? He is first in the league in FIP (aside from Scott Downs, who is injured) , strikes out a ton, and walks few enough to succeed greatly. But again, the best? The track record is missing for me to declare him the best. I know they are talking about right now, but is Howell as good as Rivera? As good as Pap? Even with some struggles by each, we have to have them sitting at the top with Joe Nathan right? But then again, I can’t dispute that Howell has been better than the first two mentioned THIS season.
Posted in Florida Marlins, Player Analysis, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bays Rays | 5 Comments »
June 25th, 2009 at 11:19 AM
i have seen only a few tiger games this year and some highlights on MLB network etc…and i have been amazed at some of the moves miggy has put on. he’s lost weight and is quite nimble on his feet.
now-andrew miller. i can remember watching him in 2 college games for NC in 2006 ( yes i do watch some college baseball) and was blown away by stuff. I couldn’t belive they traded him away along with maybin…but as i said yesterday, dont get me started on that trade again.
JP howell? HA!
June 25th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
oh i forgot–here is an article for you
http://deadspin.com/5302236/tom-verducci-has-found-his-latest-anti+drug-mascot-joe-mauer
June 25th, 2009 at 5:34 PM
You watch college baseball? Didn’t realize. Even the past few nights with the College World Series going on, I still chose to watch MLB games instead. And not just the Red Sox either…
June 26th, 2009 at 2:45 AM
i was kinda hooked on it in 2006, but my interest faded…
but i know some guys from then a little bit and i watch the college world series. though i didnt this year…
June 26th, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I lose interest in College Baseball if Georgia Tech isn’t doing well. I just can’t get past the metal bats. Plus the coaches are morons with their pitching staff management. A guy will throw 170 pitches the day after throwing 2 innings of relief.