Trevor Bauer isn't a pitcher I give much focus on because he's a guy that seems to be a known entity: Great strikeout numbers with a questionable walk rate that is prone to major blowups. With yesterday's 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks that narrative hasn't changed a whole lot...but it would be remiss to not mention that his last three games have returned 22 strikeouts, a 7.4 IPS, a 1.23 ERA and just 3 walks. We're witnessing the ceiling of Bauer right now and some could be convinced that it's the start of him putting it all together. He's cut back on his Sinker usage (from 10%+ to around 3%) in favor of more Cutters and Changeups in these recent outings, which means he's throwing less of his worst pitch in favor of more of his not-as-bad pitches. Not as bad? Yeah, Bauer's only consistent pitch really is his Curveball and sometimes his Four-Seamer. It's possible that he's made a major change with his Cutter (20%+ usage yesterday with a near 1.0 pVAL after averaging sub 10% usage prior), but I'm not buying it. What I see here is someone on a good run at the moment and will most likely show his ugly side again sooner rather than later. He gets the Sawx next time out, which could go either way. He is a Cherry Bomb after all.
Let’s see how every other SP did yesterday:
Hey Nick,
Im interested in potentially trying to swing a trade for verlander. But I am struggling to find something different within the numbers to suggest his recent turnaround is extremely sustainable. I’ve looked through the stats for his last several starts and haven’t really noticed anything that sticks out to me besides an increased fastball usage. His SIERA is >4 in 3 of his last 6 starts. The hard contact is down a little bit too. Is there anything you see that I don’t? Thanks!
Thinking about dropping Nova in a 10-teamer H2H. Reynaldo best ROS? Also have Ryu, Folty, Lackey, Rodon, and Straily on waivers.
Would you drop McCullers at this point or stick with him?
Depends on the alternatives. I’d imagine sticking with him in H2H leagues. Roto is a different story since it could be 50% of the time left that you’re without him.
“Paul Funyun” is your best nickname yet! I laughed out loud.