What the Cubs aren't: Is it me or do the Braves...

[Tim]

In 2003, Clement managed 32 starts. I believe the one he missed was due to a sore back or groin (I can't remember which). He also posted an excellent quality start percentage of 63% that season, even when looking at runs instead of earned runs. He wasn't as good as Prior, Wood or Z that year, but he was still a very, very solid contributor.

 

2003 Pitching Performances

[CubinNY]

Steve Trascal was a terrible pitcher after he left Chicago. Hell, he was a terrible pitcher with Chicago. IIRC, the year after he left and went to the Mets he was sent down to AAA for almost 1/3 of the year. After that he came back and pitched well. But, IMO he can't hold Clement's jock strap.

 

Besides, he was a first class A-hole the last year he wore the Cub pinstripes. If you think Walker's diareha mouth is bad, you should have heard Trascal's. He went on WGN radio and openly complained about the Cubs not offering him an extension, when he did nothing to deserve one. Screw the human rain delay. I use to fall asleep every time he pitched.

[cubbieinexile]

Trachsel in 2001 had a better year then Clement. Neither one played very well but in the Trachsel did have the better year. 2002 Clement probably did a little better since he pitched more innings, had two more starts, struck out more and I believe allowed fewer baserunners. So even though Trachsel had the lower ERA Clement was probably the better pitcher. In 2003 Trachsel had the better year. Now a lot is made of the quality starts of Clement, well I believe he had 22 and Trachsel had 20. Clement had about 8 games where his performance doomed the Cubs. Trachsel had 5. Take everything put it together and Trachsel had the better year.

In 2004 Clement had the better year but it is a lot closer then you might think because Trachsel pitched more innings. So from 2001 to 2004 Trachsel most certainly could have held Clement's jock strap.