TellItToTheDA
07-21-2012, 11:41 PM
Well, yes and no.
Indeed, since giving up 2 runs in an inning of work in an 8-2 loss to the Dodgers on June 10, his ERA has steadily dropped from 4.18, down to 2.98 after his 2/3 scoreless innings today. He's gone seven straight appearances without giving up an earned run (or run, for that matter), and 14 of his last 15. But, what does this all mean?
For the sake of comparison, let's compare his numbers over this stretch to the numbers he put up as an All-Star last year.
First, when we look at walks and strikeouts, we're a little discouraged. 5 walks, 6 strikeouts. Of course, he put up 10 walks all of last year (compared to 45 K's), so the rate definitely isn't where it was. What about WHIP? Over this latest stretch, he's given up 18 hits or walks over 13.2 innings, giving him a WHIP of 1.36. This also isn't great compared to last season (1.08), or 2010 (1.19), or 2009 (1.25), and so on. So, over the last 14 outings, the numbers aren't exactly encouraging.
But what about the last seven appearances? 2 walks, 4 strikeouts. A bit better. The walk rate would still average out to be about 8 walks higher than last season over the full course of a year, but his strikeout rate would be higher. WHIP? 5 hits or walks over 6.2 innings, giving him a WHIP of 0.75. Of course, this is a point where you start dealing with small sample size, but I would think this is a good a time as any for a fantastic stretch to pop up.
But folks, do not get your hopes up trade wise. With the extremely similar stat wise Brett Myers getting dealt to the White Sox today, the Astros picked up two minor leaguers, starting pitchers Matt Heidenreich (a 4th Round Pick in 2009 and #27 Prospect in the White Sox system in 2011 per Baseball America), and Blair Walters (an 11th Round Pick in 2011 and #26 Prospect in the White Sox system this season), along with a PTBNL. The Astros also picked up all but $1 million of his contract. While the stats are give and take in a few places, League and Myers are similar enough to where I wouldn't expect to get much more than that in a deal for League.
TLDR: Brandon League's been a little better lately but it really doesn't mean anything for his trade value.
Indeed, since giving up 2 runs in an inning of work in an 8-2 loss to the Dodgers on June 10, his ERA has steadily dropped from 4.18, down to 2.98 after his 2/3 scoreless innings today. He's gone seven straight appearances without giving up an earned run (or run, for that matter), and 14 of his last 15. But, what does this all mean?
For the sake of comparison, let's compare his numbers over this stretch to the numbers he put up as an All-Star last year.
First, when we look at walks and strikeouts, we're a little discouraged. 5 walks, 6 strikeouts. Of course, he put up 10 walks all of last year (compared to 45 K's), so the rate definitely isn't where it was. What about WHIP? Over this latest stretch, he's given up 18 hits or walks over 13.2 innings, giving him a WHIP of 1.36. This also isn't great compared to last season (1.08), or 2010 (1.19), or 2009 (1.25), and so on. So, over the last 14 outings, the numbers aren't exactly encouraging.
But what about the last seven appearances? 2 walks, 4 strikeouts. A bit better. The walk rate would still average out to be about 8 walks higher than last season over the full course of a year, but his strikeout rate would be higher. WHIP? 5 hits or walks over 6.2 innings, giving him a WHIP of 0.75. Of course, this is a point where you start dealing with small sample size, but I would think this is a good a time as any for a fantastic stretch to pop up.
But folks, do not get your hopes up trade wise. With the extremely similar stat wise Brett Myers getting dealt to the White Sox today, the Astros picked up two minor leaguers, starting pitchers Matt Heidenreich (a 4th Round Pick in 2009 and #27 Prospect in the White Sox system in 2011 per Baseball America), and Blair Walters (an 11th Round Pick in 2011 and #26 Prospect in the White Sox system this season), along with a PTBNL. The Astros also picked up all but $1 million of his contract. While the stats are give and take in a few places, League and Myers are similar enough to where I wouldn't expect to get much more than that in a deal for League.
TLDR: Brandon League's been a little better lately but it really doesn't mean anything for his trade value.