His K count for the last few years has been plummeting. 2006 210 2007 177 2008 138 (pace) However, he's also on pace to walk 70, which would be his best total over a full season. And his home run rates have sunk down, as he is on pace for 14 this year (compared to 21, 20, and 23 the last three years). He has also been worse at preventing contact than previous years, as this is the first year he has not appeared near the top of the hits allowed/9 IP leaderboard. So, what is to be made of Z? Is he on the decline or somehow redefining himself as a pitcher?