I went over 13 pitchers in May that should be better according to their FIP. Some of those pitchers on the list who weren’t doing great that have since turned it around are Nolasco, Floyd, Verlander, Lincecum, Lester, Beckett, Javier Vazquez and Ubaldo. 8 of 13. Two other pitchers were Randy Johnson and Gil Meche. So they were injured and haven’t hurt any teams in a while. So 8 of 11 healthy pitchers. One of the missing pitchers is Scott Olsen. Next to his name, I wrote, “Blech.” So I think it was clear I wasn’t telling you to go grab him. So that’s 8 of 10. Another pitcher was Pavano. Next to his name I said, “Hmm… Maybe I should’ve ignored some of these schmohawks.” Obviously not an endorsement. That’s 8 of 9. The last pitcher was Andy Sonnanstine. I’m never been a fan of his and he’s been in the minors since June, so he didn’t hurt you really either. So that’s 8 for 8 in Grey Math. Eat it, snitches! Anyway, here’s a list of pitchers with the biggest difference between their actual ERAs and their FIPs. (If your guy is on the list, it’s a good sign. Some would even say you could go out and trade for some of these guys, you educated fantasy baseball owner you!)
Ricky Nolasco – 1.66 difference. Yup, he’s going to continue to be better.
Carl Pavano – 1.12. Still ignore.
Paul Maholm – 1.11. Don’t you love when a plan doesn’t come together. Maholm should be better, but that doesn’t mean I’d rush out to own him. He’s nothing but match-up material.
Jorge de la Rosa – .90. I do own him in a 12 team league and I’d start him every time out in away games and play match-ups at home. BTW, he had a 2.50 ERA in July. That included 5 home games and only one away game.
Cole Hamels – .87. Having some shizzy luck when it comes to men LOB and BABIP. The bigger problem is I think the Phils abused his arm so badly in 2008 that he/they are paying for it now.
Jon Lester – .75. Gotta love when a pitcher’s below a 4 ERA and still supposed to be better.
Francisco Liriano – .75. Hmph. Well, what do we do with that? The Twins seem like they’re at the point where they don’t want to bother with Liriano anymore. I’m definitely not bothering with Liriano. If I want an ulcer, I’ll snoop through my girlfriend’s photo albums of old boyfriends.
Kevin Correia – .75. Hey, I think this is our first HodgePadre to ever appear on a FIP post. Johnny Olson tell ’em what he’s won… A brand new washer and dryer!
