Entering the 2015 season, Jordan Zimmermann was the consensus #11 overall SP, which we all know now isn’t legit. So much that even after tonight’s outing of 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 5 Ks he still doesn’t look like a Top 20 guy. His xFIP is hovering near 3.75 with a dramatic dip in his strikeout production from last year’s 8.20 K/9 to just barely above 7.00 K/9 this season. Sure, the walks are still low, but a BABIP north of .300 supported by a sub 20% soft contact rate isn’t doing his 1.22 WHIP any favors and JZ is primed for a harsh 2016 regardless of where he ends up. I have no qualms with people starting him through the playoffs – he’s still Top 30 for the most part given his decent floor – but man it’s interesting to look at the high hopes we (well, I had him at #18 but sure let’s go with we) had at the start of the season.
Let’s see what every other SP did yesterday:
Taylor Jungmann – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks. The youthful guy – there has to be a better way of saying that – is still cranking out that value like he’s powering the machines that print money. Great analogy Nick. FINALLY some recognition.
Colin Rea – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks. Is this Rea life or is this just fantasy? I’ve been waiting so long to use that. But seriously, it’s just fantasy so don’t trust Colin.
Kyle Gibson – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks. He’s apparently the front-runner for the MFRTSPA. Yeah, Gibson and his sub 6.50 K/9 are the best Minnesota has to offer. Sigh.
Chris Rusin – 9.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks. Rusin has limited upside, pitches his home games at Coors Field, and doesn’t deserve a spot on your team. This should be the blurb for every Colorado starter.
Jeff Samardzija – 6.1 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks. Who would have guessed it, Loose Lips is sinking ships. WHOA.
Francisco Liriano – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 5 BBs, 4 Ks. He just isn’t what he was in the first half. We need to accept the new Liriano and not start him until he shows up again. It’s sad, but these things happen.
Mat Latos – 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks. You could see Latos on sale at your neighbor’s Yard Sale listed at 50 cents and you would still walk by. That’s right Latos, I’d rather have 30 minutes of NYC parking instead of you.
Edinson Volquez – 3.0 IP, 6 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks. Yeah, I’ve been super negative about Volquez nearly all year and I think you guys can agree why.
Matt Wisler – 1.2 IP, 7 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks. I hope you never learned how to Wisler. No, please don’t teach me how…okay why do I now have a pencil in my mouth?
Matt Boyd – 1.0 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 0 Ks. I think that’s enough Boyd watching for 2015.
Ryan Vogelsong – 3.0 IP, 7 ER, 11 Hits, 0 BBs, 1 Ks. I’m considering calling great pitching lines from pitchers who are doomed to fail a VogelSong. You know, like their swan song, but VogelSong because Vogelsong is really bad but hey, every song has its audience. Don’t you mean every dog has its day? No I don’t or I would have typed that instead. Good point.
Today’s Streamers
Aaron Brooks vs. Seattle Mariners – I’m taking a leap of faith in the young Athletic as I don’t really like the other options. Despite his recent run, I’d hate to invest in Joe Kelly, while the ChiSox have been better in the second half and give Kris Medlen a tougher matchup than expected.
Tomorrow’s Streamer
John Lamb vs. Milwaukee Brewers – He figured out his Changeup last time out and it could be more of the same for a high K performance.
Game of the Day
Jake Arrieta vs. Robbie Ray – Who doesn’t want to see Arrieta’s afterglow?