Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
June 29, 2008
Will Anyone Trade for Blanton?

Early in the season it was rumored that the Athletics might trade Joe Blanton, despite him being their designated ace. Rich Harden's health was iffy, and the youngsters who fill out the rotation so well now were unknown quantities. With Joe getting knocked around today by one of the weaker offenses in the majors (the Giants won 11-1) why would anyone give up much for Joe now?

There are three events a pitcher controls, strikeouts, walks and home runs. Blanton is a poor strikeout pitcher. He's averaging 4.3 K per 9 this season, which is at the low range of where most competent pitcher perform. His walks per nine innings, 2.6, is very good and easily his strong suit. He's allowed twelve home runs, which works out to 21 per 200 innings. Like walks, it's a good number but one that won't lead the league. He may be greatly helped by his home park on that number as he's allowed six homers in 83 1/3 innings at home, and six in just 30 2/3 innings away. His 6.75 road ERA indicates that he many not be nearly as successful away from the Coliseum in Oakland.

Billy Beane may have waited too long on Blanton. Any good GM will recognize that Joe is not a number one starter, he may not even be a number four starter. With performances like today's the A's won't get a ton of prospects for their short lived ace.


Posted by David Pinto at 07:40 PM | Pitchers | TrackBack (0)
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