Don't Trade Blanton!
There has been some discussion about doing the unthinkable, trading JoeyB. As pointed out by David Murphy (link) there are some problems with this financially speaking for both the Phillies and the team who would be acquiring him. But who cares about all that, let's talk Blanton.
IP K/9 BB/9 HR/9 BABIP LOB% GB% HR/FB ERA FIP XFIP WAR
| 41.1 | 7.62 | 1.96 | 1.09 | .362 | 70.9 % | 55.0 % | 13.9 % | 5.01 | 3.63 | 3.15 | 0.6 |
But the Phillies have just signed a durable pitcher who wins ballgames in Kyle Kendrick you say? Well then why bother with Joe! He is clearly inferior! Bring on Kendricks line!!
IP K/9 BB/9 HR/9 BABIP LOB% GB% HR/FB ERA FIP XFIP WAR
| 114.2 | 4.63 | 2.35 | 1.10 | .261 | 76.1 % | 45.3 % | 10.5 % | 3.22 | 4.55 | 4.42 | 0.2 |
Wait a minute! According to last years data Kendrick wasn't so great... In fact it looks like he got a little lucky maybe... Well we have two years to find out! I'd also like to point out Joe's higher K/9 and lower BB/9 and higher GB% (betcha didn't see that coming!).
You are have undoubtedly been screaming since you started reading this, 40 IP???!??!?! YOU MONSTER THAT'S TOO SMALL A SAMPLE SIZE, JOE SUCKS. Well phooey.
Why (besides a small sample size) might Joe be better last year than he was previously? Did he become more ferocious and intimidating. Probably. But might there be another reason? Maybe a new pitch selection?
Fastball Slider Cutter Curveball Changeup
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Yes! He is throwing his fastball 10% less! the real gains are in his slider and cutter. According to Pitch/fx his cutter is moving horizontally almost double what it was moving in 2010 and his sinker which I believe has been lumped into the fastball category has increased by almost 10% has gained some horizontal movement, although it has lost vertical movement.
What is most encouraging about Blanton is that his fastball velocity has stayed almost exactly the same from the beginning of his career to the end of last season, which would otherwise raise concern.
Durability has been the main concern with Blanton going into this spring but I have something that will put us all at ease and calm any clamor for the trading of our superstar ace in the hole.
"I feel really good so far,"..."I didn't really stop throwing through the winter. I've had no problems." -Joe Blanton
