About three weeks ago, Mariner Manager Don Wakamatsu asked his star pitcher to "step it up" after his fourth consecutive lack-luster performance. The question was if King Felix was actually listening? There are times in the past where Felix Hernandez hasn't responded to his Manager's motivations. This was not one of those times.
Felix Hernandez has been lights out in his last 5 starts since Don Wakamatsu's statement to the media. He is 3-0 in that span and averaging over 7 innings per start. More impressively, Felix has allowed only 3 earned runs in over 37 innings, dropping his ERA from 4.13 to a staggering 2.77. That puts King Felix at 7th lowest ERA in the American League, and 13th in all of Major League Baseball.
Felix is not only winning games now, but he's actually pitching! Yes, there is a difference. Pitching is when you're thinking, using both sides of the dish, hitting your spots, and saving your out-pitch for a 2 strike count.
A lot of you are probably asking yourself what it means when pitchers aren't pitching. Well, just look at game tape of Jarrod Washburn in '07 and '08 to answer that question. There, you'll see no focus or itensity, a lack of competitiveness, no urgency to make good pitches or trying to outhink hitters.
Baseball is definitely a thinking game, and Felix is doing more than just that. He's two steps ahead of everyone in the box, and making hitters look absolutely foolish. The question everyone wants to know is how long it will last?
Showing posts with label Seattle Mariner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle Mariner. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wishy Washy Washburn
What is important to Jarrod Washburn? Let me rewind, what is important to all athletes? Money! So I guess Jarrod is no different than any other player between the foul lines. Before all you Washburn fans get your panties in a twist, I'm not here to hate on wishy washy himself. I just want to know why it's so easy to "flip a switch" and be great pitcher again like it was 2002 in Angel Stadium?
Money is the ultimate motivator. It's infuriating watching athletes put up big numbers in a contract year (Washburn are you listening). After cashing in on a 4 year 37.5 million dollar contract with the Mariners, Washburn has put up an ERA of 4.67 in 2006, 4.32 in 07, and 4.69 in 08. Even worse, Washburn's record was a dismal 23-43 in that same span. At least he was consistent right.
I do not want to hear the mumbo-jumbo reasons for Washburn's recent success: I switched my mechanics, worked out extra hard in the offseason, learned how to throw a new pitch, etc... People who believe that nonsense should really consider finishing their G.E.D. and shooting for the stars in Community College.
Money is the reason for Washburn's 2.68 ERA and dominance over hitters in 2009. The same reason why he was 18-6 in 2002 with an ERA of 3.15 with the Angels. It's not hard to guess which year is a contract year for Washburn. Just look at the numbers.
Very few ball players these days care about their legacy. Just ask Manny Ramirez, who doesn't give a rats ass about his suspension or reputation in L.A. I'm disgusted by players who get their big payday and no longer give a shit about playing hard, helping their team win, or laying everything on the line for the game they're supposed to love.
I'm disgusted by watching Washburn walk to the bump this year. While most fans are clapping and cheering on ol wishy washy for finally wanting to compete and win, I'll be cursing him for not earning his paychecks the last 3 years.
Money is the ultimate motivator. It's infuriating watching athletes put up big numbers in a contract year (Washburn are you listening). After cashing in on a 4 year 37.5 million dollar contract with the Mariners, Washburn has put up an ERA of 4.67 in 2006, 4.32 in 07, and 4.69 in 08. Even worse, Washburn's record was a dismal 23-43 in that same span. At least he was consistent right.
I do not want to hear the mumbo-jumbo reasons for Washburn's recent success: I switched my mechanics, worked out extra hard in the offseason, learned how to throw a new pitch, etc... People who believe that nonsense should really consider finishing their G.E.D. and shooting for the stars in Community College.
Money is the reason for Washburn's 2.68 ERA and dominance over hitters in 2009. The same reason why he was 18-6 in 2002 with an ERA of 3.15 with the Angels. It's not hard to guess which year is a contract year for Washburn. Just look at the numbers.
Very few ball players these days care about their legacy. Just ask Manny Ramirez, who doesn't give a rats ass about his suspension or reputation in L.A. I'm disgusted by players who get their big payday and no longer give a shit about playing hard, helping their team win, or laying everything on the line for the game they're supposed to love.
I'm disgusted by watching Washburn walk to the bump this year. While most fans are clapping and cheering on ol wishy washy for finally wanting to compete and win, I'll be cursing him for not earning his paychecks the last 3 years.
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