Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
April 05, 2008
Games of the Day

Clay Buchholz makes his 2008 season debut for the Red Sox against Jesse Litsch and the Tornoto Blue Jays this afternoon. The young Boston hurler thrilled fans last year as he pitched a no hitter in his second major league start. What was most impressive was his strikeout rate, 22 Ks in 22 2/3 innings. Litsch made his major league debut as well in 2008, but pitched a bit more. His 3.81 ERA was mostly the result of a low walk rate. Players can take him deep, but few walks helps keep the bases clear.

There's a bit of a mismatch in Cincinnati as Adam Eaton faces Aaron Harang. Eaton just missed qualifying for the ERA title in 2007 by 1/3 of an inning. Had he recorded one more out, his 6.29 ERA would have been the worst among qualifiers. Over the last three years, Harang put up consistently good numbers. His ERA varied between 3.73 and 3.83, better than 210 innings, and over 200 strikeouts the last two seasons. Given the run enhancing effects of GAB, Harang's numbers are extraordinary.

The winless Tigers send Dontrelle Willis to the mound for his Tigers debut. His career suffered a setback in 2007 as his ERA ballooned over 5.00 as he gave up more long balls than ever before. Was it a fluke or an injury? Chicago opposes him with Gavin Floyd, who really was hammered by home runs in 2007. He allowed 17 in 70 innings, 2.2 per nine innings.

The best pitching matchup of the day takes place in San Diego where Brad Penny takes on Jake Peavy. Through the end of June in 2007, these two were neck and neck in the race for the NL ERA title. Peavy pulled away to win the Cy Young award. Both are off to good starts again, neither allowing a run in his first start.

Enjoy!

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Posted by David Pinto at 07:55 AM | Matchups | TrackBack (0)
Comments

I really beleive if Bucholz stays in the Red Sox organization, when Beckett leaves he'll be the No. 1

Posted by: Aidan at April 5, 2008 07:08 PM

Well according to SOSH Snyder is DFA. Someone had to go to make room for Josh Beckett coming off the dl and it looked like based on his performance so far that Kyle was that guy. I think that even though it is unfortunate that the Sox are making the right decision. It should be announced tomorrow when Josh comes off the dl.

Posted by: emains at April 5, 2008 10:03 PM
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