2008 Season in Review Part 2

[nverhoev]

Here is the starting pitching year in review. The staff struggled at time throughout the year. The team finished seventh in runs against in the JL. The starting pitchers put up a 4.68 ERA which was also good for seventh while the bullpen finished in sixth with a 4.35 ERA.

James Endres- The converted reliever had a disappointing season going 9-11 with a 5.66 ERA after a great 2007 season when he went 16-4. Endres was not helped out by his defense with a .373 BABIP. Look for him to bounce back in 2009.

Jeff Baeza- Another long time reliever turned starter in Baltimore Baeza was about average with a 13-7 and 4.43 ERA. Baeza signed a new contract with the team that will keep him around for a while longer. With some young starters coming up through the system Baeza could be heading back to the bullpen.

Yin-xiang Yi- Yi always quietly goes about his business. He is generally reliable but never exceptional. 2008 was no exception as he posted a 10-10 record and 4.25 ERA.

Rick Cushing- The Baltimore veteran Cushing has seen a late career resurgence and went 10-7 with a 4.05ERA. After being moved to the bullpen Cushing played himself back in the rotation by being stellar in the first part of the season. His age is a concern but he will be given an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation in 2009.

Roy Paul- Paul was acquired from Hawaii in the Robert Jowers trade and immediately got hurt and spent almost a year recovering. Paul was a respectable 5th starter but seemed to have some bad luck. His 12-10 record was good but his 5.61 ERA was not. His FIP was 4.63 which leads me to believe he pitched better than he was credited for.

Todd Mckeever- Mckeever has never recaptured the magic from his 10-5 3.32 ERA 2006 campaign. The lefty was disappointing while starting but improved his numbers out of the bullpen. The lefty will be in competition for a rotation spot in 2009.

David Lewis - Lewis, a former Monarchs first rounder, made the jump to the bigs late in the season. A 4-2 4.42ERA (3.73 FIP) shows promise. Bright things are expected from this player.

[recte44]

Yi sure has turned out. I couldn't wait to trade him after I drafted him; I never thought he'd amount to much.