MLB - 2006 Season! Continued!

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
Pedro's run was amazing, but given the overpitching, primitive medical diagnostics and training, I think it's highly likely Koufax would have fared much better and lasted a lot longer if he'd had access to modern training and sports medicine. Not to mention the "work 'em into the ground" approach with pitchers in those days.

That may be true, but, we'll never know. Of course, I guess that can be said for any pitcher in the past. Walter Johnson had even worse training methods and overpitching than Koufax.

Though it is interesting to note that using the measure of ERA+, which adjusts of park and era effects, Pedro Martinez has 5 (FIVE!) seasons better than Koufax's top ERA+ season. Though it is more than impressive enough that Pedro Martinez has 5 seasons in the Top 40 pitching seasons of all time (including the best season in the modern era [post 1900] of baseball).

While Koufax may have lasted longer with modern medicine, one wonders if he could have reached the heights of Martinez.

Though what is clear is that I think Pedro Martinez has been very undervalued by our generation. Yes, I said UNDERvalued. We talk about Maddux and Clemens being among the best ever. Pedro deserves to be in that discussion as well. I think Martinez, if he retired today, is in the Top 15 pitchers of all time. He'll only rise as he continues to pitch and continues to put up ERA+ numbers aroud the 150s like he did last season for the Mets [I'm not sure what his ERA+ number is this season].

[Stuie]

"Sandy Koufax Surgery"

[Arrian]

You know, someday we very well may be talking about Johan Santana the way we are talking about Pedro, Maddux or Clemens now.

He's really pretty amazing and, barring injury or insanity on the part of voters, he should be the 2006 AL Cy Young (he should've been the 2005 AL Cy too). It's really a question of how healthy he is for the rest of his career, 'cause the ability is there.

-Arrian

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Arrian
You know, someday we very well may be talking about Johan Santana the way we are talking about Pedro, Maddux or Clemens now.

If he can stay healthy over the long run (he has for the most part so far), I'd say there is a decent chance of this happening. This will probably be the 5th straight year he has an ERA+ over 148. That's pretty good, though not Pedro or Maddux (in their respective primes) good, though he could reach that level with a run of 190 or better ERA+ seasons.

[asleepathewheel]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
though he could reach that level with a run of 190 or better ERA+ seasons.

The Julio Franco of pitchers, eh?

[Arrian]

Julio Franco is amazing. I really hope he's not on HGH or something. That would suck.

-Arrian

p.s. Randy Johnson is no longer amazing. He sucks. Happily for me, the Baltimore bullpen is even worse. Huzzah.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by asleepathewheel
The Julio Franco of pitchers, eh?

Huh? Santana is just getting into his prime years.

[Arrian]

How old is he? ~27?

edit: yes, he's 27. You never know with pitchers, because they could get injured at any time, but if he does stay healthy, he should be in his prime for another 5 years, and could be productive for far longer. But it's impossible to foretell.

-Arrian

[asleepathewheel]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui


Huh? Santana is just getting into his prime years.

Yes, but I don't see him being able to keep it up for the next 190 years.

[asleepathewheel]

Man Pujols flat out owns Brad Lidge. hah!

[Arrian]

Yeesh, so it seems.

What is it with Matsui? 4 for 4 with a walk in his return from a broken wrist.

Obviously it was under the best circumstances possible (at home against the Tampa Bay Triple As), but still. That was fun.

-Arrian

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by asleepathewheel
Yes, but I don't see him being able to keep it up for the next 190 years.

No, an ERA+ of over 190.

[Guynemer]

Liriano went out early with elbow pain in his first start back; not a good sign for the Twins.

[Hot Mustard]

I just have to comment on my Consolation bracket performance in the 'Poly II Fantasy pool...from dead last to having a shot a 7th isn't too shabby, eh?

[Arrian]

The Mets clinch and the Yanks' magic number is down to 3. The Mets have to be concerned about Pedro. The Yanks have to be concerned about Giambi (and, to a lesser degree, Ron Villone's return to mediocrity). But in general, things are lookin' good for NY's teams.

It really is too bad about Liriano. That just stinks. Minnesota looks like they can overcome it to get into the playoffs anyway. What happens once they are there is another matter.

-Arrian