Much
like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded
to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College
Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final
spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail. The
question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates
for offseason Weight Watchers meetings? Check it out.
Listed
below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in
team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip
side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts,
winning 33% percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have
made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the
last three years. Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this
pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list. Enjoy the
games.
GOOD
MONTH PITCHERS:
Hendricks, Kyle • 10-3 (5-1 A)
The Cubs right-hander has been steadily dropping his ERA and
if Chicago is indeed going to win the NL Central, they will need Hendricks to
be a big factor.
*Jimenez,
Ubaldo •
10-2 (7-1 H)
It
seems like a miracle Jimenez can ever win. His oversized ERA only tells you how
little starting pitching Baltimore has in their farm system. Maybe the Orioles
will score a lot of runs at home like they have in the past for him.
*Kershaw,
Clayton •
13-2 (8-1 A)
Kershaw
is back off the DL and you know the Dodgers are hopeful he stays healthy until
early November. He was 15-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his previous fifteen-team starts
before being sidelined the third week in July.
Liriano, Francisco • 10-4 (4-1 H)
Liriano has been relegated to one inning relief duty for
Houston and would only start if truly needed.
*Price,
David • 14-2
(8-0 H)
Price
has been working at the end of August on throwing from distances of 105 to 120
feet. After that Price starts mixing in breaking balls on a flat surface from
60 feet and six inches before he can graduate to the mound. The timetable is
still this month for his return.
Strasburg, Stephen • 7-3 (3-0 A)
Strasburg has looked good since returning from injury last
month. Much like Kershaw, if Washington is going to win in September and
October, he has to be electric.
Verlander, Justin • 11-5 (6-2 H)
For a second straight season Verlander, after a mediocre
first half, become a force in the second portion of the season. Expect this
competitive right-hander to give his all even on a rotten Detroit club.
*Zimmermann,
Jordan • 8-4
(4-1 A)
Don't
expect Zimmermann to duplicate his numbers of the past this month. With an ERA
over 6, allowing 1.24 hits per inning and already close to 30 homers
surrendered, not sure where he becomes a force again.
BAD
MONTH PITCHERS:
Archer, Chris • 5-10 (3-6 H)
All the talent is there, it's just that Archer has never put
it all together. Granted, he's been on average at best clubs, yet given his
ability and numbers, at 27, he should be overcoming mental lapses.
Hammel, Jason • 4-9 (1-5 A)
Pretty much a five-inning starter who falls off the cliff in
hurry when the sixth rolls around, even if he is going well. It has been years
since Hammel pitched well in the second half of a season.
*Leake,
Mike • 4-12
(1-8 A)
On
June 30th, Leake had an ERA of 2.97. Now he's starts September at 4.25. His
problem, not missing bats, giving up an unfathomable 1.6 base hits an inning.
Look for more of the same in September.
Nelson, Jimmy • 3-9 (1-4 A)
Over his career, Nelson has shown a tendency to wear down in
the second half. The way he's trending since the All-Star break, it looks like
deja vu all over again.
*Sale,
Chris • 3-11
(1-7 A)
This
season Sale has been outstanding against every team but Cleveland. Now on a
strong club and having to pitch meaning contests late in the year, let's see if
he does a better job. Note: Sale's White Sox teams had a 7-18 record in his
September starts.
Contributions from Doug Upstone of www.vegasproinsidersdaily.com.