Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
November 30, 2007
Blanton and the Athletics

Melissa at Athletic Supporters wonders why the Athletics haven't offered Joe Blanton a contract for his arbitration years:

Yet despite this track record of success, the A's have, at least publically, failed to engage Blanton in discussions about a long-term extension that would take him through arbitration. This lack of negotiation has given credence to the rumors floating around baseball that the A's are looking to move Blanton. My biggest question is why?

Blanton may not be in the same league as Hudson or Haren, however, he has turned himself into a very valuable asset. During his three years in the league, Blanton has never missed a start due to injury, has improved his K:BB ratio every year, and has given the A's at least 194.1 innings in all three seasons. His health alone has made Blanton a very valuable pitcher, not to mention his good control and ability to work deep into games. To me, he seems like an ideal candidate for a long-term extension and a perfect number two or three pitcher in a strong starting rotation.

The answer is that Blanton is not very good. He posts a very low K per 9, and his ERA balloons outside of the Coliseum. He's not going to take the A's for very much, even if he goes to arbitration.


Posted by David Pinto at 08:31 AM | Pitchers | TrackBack (0)
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