One of the biggest surprises that few have talked about has been the downfall of Kevin Gausman, who was sporting a horrific 6.47 ERA after his June 21st start. Combining that with a 4.35 BB/9 and it was startling to see someone who had not only put up great walk numbers but a consistent sub 4.00 ERA pitcher in previous years fall so hard. Now, after going 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks against the Rays there are signs that we may be getting out of the dark. His last three starts have returned 20 strikeouts with two straight shutout performances and 2 walks per start. Hmmmmmm. So of course, we have to ask what we always ask: Has Gausman made a change that would explain his recent success? And...well...yes. Before his June 21st start, Gausman threw just 14.6% Splitters across the season - terribly low for what is very clearly his best pitch. In the last three starts that number is well above 25% peaking at 30%+ today. There's more to it than just throwing more Splitters as I've expressed the need for Gausman to improve command his Four-Seamer in order to properly set up his Splitter and he sure did that today getting 17 of 25 First-Pitch Strikes. It's great and spells out exactly how he was successful today. But was it a fluke? Well, he did go just 11 of 20 last time out...It's tough. There is something here but it's hard to bet that it's repeatable like it was so often last season. If you need to take a questionable gamble, go ahead. He'll return to The List tomorrow but it won't be a major jump. For now.
Let’s see how every other SP did yesterday:
Thoughts on two start Mejia of Minny v LAA, Balt as opposed to Cahill @ Clev @Phil?
I’d prefer Cahill over Mejia.
As an indians fan who watches Clevinger pitch…NicK, the walks are very much real and consistent. His babip is also at .237 (regression incoming), and has a LOB% 11 points higher than his appearances last season (regression incoming).
He’s a strikeout upside guy, but he’s not the 1.19 WHIP pitcher he’s been pitching like.
1st month and a half in 11th place (12 teams). Currently in 2nd. Movin’ on up! Read you every single day. Thanks, man.
Drop Clev or Peacock for Cahill? I have Aaron Sanchez coming up end of week, and will most likely drop Clint Frazier for him (if he does nothing). My moves off the wire are capped at 60; I’m at 34, so don’t want to burn them. Just chill?
Sweet! Let’s hope you can make that last step.
I think you hold Clev and Peacock. Let’s wait and see a little on Cahill.
Wow! You were torqued over Teheran. I was just looking for where the value might be and not whether he is a good pitcher to own. I streamed him in Oakland but not against Cincy, a few starts ago, so opponents and other peripherals are factored in. Life is as much an art as it is a science. After all, 90% of baseball is half mental. Keep up the good work and I wont mention Teheran again. Promise. Even if it is a good road match-up.
Yeah sorry about that. It all just spewed out and I should have reigned it back a bit. Please forgive me!
Mention Teheran again, please! I don’t want you to feel in any way that you can’t voice your opinion here – that’s what makes this fun!
Not to mention, that wasn’t a direct response to you, I’ve been hearing a ton of people talking about those Home/Road splits and I felt the need at 2:00am to dive into it.
It’s all good! Spew all you want. Its fun to read. I also realized AFTER I hit send (all my clear thinking comes after I hit send) that I can’t possibly be the only one to see this and you are probably responding to a lot of people.
(what an ego, huh?) By the way, he pitches against Washington at home so life being ironic and everything my guess is a two hit gem with 10Ks.
Berrios for Donaldson is a no brainer right? I’m overthinking it due to my love of Berrios….
I think you make that swap.
Took the plunge, thanks!