These starting pitchers could have a hard time matching their 2009 production.
Joe Blanton, Philadelphia Phillies
Blanton’s numbers are misleading. He had a solid ERA of 4.05, but gave up 30 HRs. If he’s giving up that many long balls, his peripherals will likely rise. Also, his strikeout total of 163 isn’t on par with he he’s done for the rest of his career.
Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves
Jurrjens is a victim of setting the bar too high for himself last year. His ERA was a staggering 2.60. Only five pitchers had an ERA of 2.60 or lower last year, and only two (with 200+ IP) in 2008. He’s also behind in his preparation for the season due to a sore shoulder that kept him out of the start of spring training.
Kevin Millwood, Baltimore Orioles
Millwood went from an emerging Texas team to a struggling Baltimore team that will have to face the Yankees and the Red Sox repeatedly. His ERA had been 4.50+ the previous three years. Plus, he’s not much help in the strikeout or WHIP department.
Joel Pineiro, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Pineiro had 15 wins last year. It was only the second time, and the first since 2003, that he had at lest 15 wins. His ERA (3.49) was nearly a point lower than his career average, and his WHIP (1.14) was significantly higher than his career average (1.34). While he landed in a good spot with the Angels, I think a regression is in order.
Javier Vazquez, New York Yankees
I like Vazquez, but his return to the Bronx will certainly have a negative impact on his ERA and WHIP, which were 2.87 and 1.03 respectively for Atlanta last year. Pitching in Yankee Stadium could bring his home runs allowed total back to the 30s.
Randy Wolf, Milwaukee Brewers
Wolf had a solid year for the Dodgers, posting a 11-7 record with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Miller Park is a tougher place to pitch. Plus, Wolf typically has an ERA of 4.00+ and a WHIP of 1.30+.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com .
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