Saturday, April 18, 2009

Wang or Pettitte?


Chien-Ming Wang was just dropped in my 12-team mixed league. Andy Pettitte was already on the wire. My co-manager was pushing for us to pick up Pettitte. I've been resisting, wanting to pick up Wang instead. Here is my argument:

Pettitte:
2006: 214.1 innings, 3.20 ERA, 1.44 WHIP
2007: 215.1 innings, 4.05 ERA, 1.43 WHIP
2008: 204 innings, 4.54 ERA, 1.41 WHIP
2009: 14.1 innings 2.51 ERA, 0.77 WHIP

Which WHIP seems out of place?

Wang:
2006: 218 innings, 3.63 ERA, 1.31 WHIP
2007: 199.1 innings, 3.70 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
2008: 95 innings, 4.07 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
2009: 4.2 innings, 28.93 ERA, 4.50 WHIP

Which WHIP seems out of place?

Conclusion: The over / under on Pettitte's 2009 WHIP should be about 1.43. Wang's over / under for his 2009 WHIP should be about 1.31. You think it is a bit misleading to only show WHIP, ERA, and innings pitched? Fine. How about this: Wang is 29 and hasn't been linked to steroids and Pettitte is going to turn 38 soon and has been linked to steroids. You think this is ageist, and that I should get over my ageism by watching this link? Ok. You have me there.

  • Here is how Y! saw it before the season started: Wang is ranked 63rd and Pettitte is ranked 71st.

  • Bill James projects a 1.35 WHIP for both Pettitte and Wanger.

  • Of course the day I post this, Wang gives up 8 runs in 1.1 innings in what will probably end up being a 22-4 loss to the Indians (there are two outs in the ninth), raising his ERA to 34.50. Now I'm beginning to wonder if he is hiding an injury.

  • Yes, that is Joba wearing the checkered sweater in the background in the picture above.

  • "To reach his career E.R.A. coming into the season (3.79), Wang would have to roll off 48 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings."

  • Wang is able to correct his flaw in practice, just not in the game.
  • 1 comment:

    1. If he does get better, my guess is that it will happen all at once. He'll flip the switch, as it were. Let's just hope he gets the chance to do it in the majors.

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