Mephistopheles

.7 is a sizable difference when you're around league average. No one's saying he "deserved" the ERA in 2001. The fact is the sum of his rates don't add up in 2003 and 2004. I don't know why you can't throw out the other years in his career when his ERA was much more in line with his rates (in fact they were lower). There's so much luck involved with pitching and allowing runs. Something like 40% is pure luck and the only things in a pitchers control amount to less than a fourth or something when you run a regression. If you look at it this way being lucky half the time isn't out of the question. Let's not forget he wasn't exactly "good" in 2001 at preventing runs. He allowed 12 UER in 129.3 innings. I can assure you most if not all of those were his fault. RA is MUCH better for pitchers than ERA. Let's not pretend it's not. His RA wasn't that much better than league average. He wasn't 'that' lucky. The simple fact is he was lucky and is not good. If you can't see this fine. You're entitled to not opening your eyes, I guess.

That percentage sounds made up. It is, the Tigers swung at the first pitch 32% of the time (link) . I am sure the rest of the league didn't swing twice as often on the first pitch.

and 2001 was the same way? Is it really that likely that a pitcher would have 3 highly lucky years out of 5? He actually knew what a strikeout was in 01. It's pretty damn obvious that he can't strike guys out, walks too many and wasn't even a groundball pitcher in 2005-2006.

Maybe it's because 2003/2004 were based largely on pure luck and a good Cardinals defense.

Oh shut up. If anything it shows how much he sucks. Of course we all (hopefully) know that but they're interesting none the less. Next time don't be a dick about it.

Those aren't facts.

* He struck out 5 guys in a start 5 times last season. Carlos Zambrano didn't strike out at least 5 guys in 5 starts last season. * He walked 4 guys or more in a start 5 times last season. Greg Maddux walked that many once all season. * He hasn't struck out 6 guys in a game since July 7th, 2005. Angel Guzman struck out 8 batters in relief last season (only 5 appearances) * Marquis hasn't struck out 8 guys since April 22nd, 2005. Even Mark Prior did that last season. * His career high in strikeouts and only 10+ K game was 13 on August 3, 2001. Rich Hill struck out at least 10 guys 3 times last season. In September. * Marquis struck out 13 guys in September, Rich Hill struck out 11 in one game in September. * Jason Marquis hasn't gone 8 innings since July 23, 2006. Ryan O'Malley went 8 on his major league debut on August 16. * Jason Marquis gave up less than 4 hits 5 times last season. Carlos Zambrano gave up less than 4 hits 4 times last season. * Jason Marquis gave up 14 hits two times last season. Neither Carlos Zambrano nor Rich Hill gave up 10 hits last season. * Jason Marquis gave up at least 12 earned runs twice last season. Carlos Zambrano allowed less than earned 12 runs in three of the six months last season. * Jason Marquis had an ERA over 5.00 in 5 months last season. Carlos Zambrano has had an ERA over 5.00 in 5 months during his career. Feel free to add some.

its a hitting drill and it also makes it a bit harder to shatter.

As bad as it sounds a well-timed trip to Dr Andrews and Birmingham for Jason Marquis might be the best thing for the Cubs chances this season.

It's still not a good deal at 5 years. Unfortunately if the Cubs didnt give him the money would they spend it elsewhere? probably not. so you gotta do the deal.

I've been telling you guys we're taking Burgess. He's from Tampa Florida and is a toolsy OF with a lot of power who got ripped to pieces in the Aflac game by breaking pitches.

Ill take the May 17 Mets game. The Cubs will be coming off their hardest roadtrip of the season at Philly and New York with the ChiSox coming to Wrigley the next day. The struggling Cubs will need a shot in the arm and it's also a Jason Marquis matinee day so Lou won't want to stick around.

god the stripes are just stupid

I heard Joe looked pretty good on Sunday. Cole ... everyone seems to be worried.

Interestingly it landed in Florida as the Cubs...

im anti wii because im lazy

here are two http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/mlb/2006/0321/photo/w_prior_195.jpg http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f189/kctigers23/23928952_e05a6ff665.jpg

It would be even nicer if Harvey did something significant to deserve a top 10 rating. Once again, Harvey has a tool you can't teach. Once again, Davy Gregg has a tool you can't teach.

I'm not overly excited at the prospect of a "VERY TALL" pitcher. Cause my opinion is....they will suck, eventually. Excluding Randy Johnson Sisco Rauch J. Juden Ryan Anderson Chris Young JR Richard This is NOT an impressively listed of 6'8 or taller pitchers. Now Richard and Young turned out great, but everybody else has either stunk, suffered career altering injuries, or flat not miss big time. So forgive me...if the Cubs had a choice between Wieters and Brackman, I'd take Wieters everytime. You're completely off the wall here. Just because there's a limited sample and not all panned out perfecty doesn't mean not to draft taller pitchers. Jesus christ. If you were to look at the number of pitchers listed 6'2"-6'3" there would be a lot more, but there's probably a lower probability of those pitchers becoming elite. Come on.

it'd be cool if they had a ST webcam or something. Maybe they do and I just suck, but it would be cool

BTW, who ever selected Anibal Sanchez this round, he was taken a couple of rounds earlier.

I have Rolen and AJ. Edmonds would compliment my team nicely.

The indians were probably the best team in the division last year, you can throw the W-L records out the door.

A picture of Mark Prior, dated today, standing on a mound, with a baseball in his hand, would make my day. :D The thing is, I could really see the Cubs doing that as a photo-op and never actually have him use the ball.

I wonder if we'll get a Mark towell shot or I dare say a Mark bullpen shot!