There seems to be a lot of arguments among fans, and probably among major league front offices, about what they should focus more on. Should they try to stack their rotation and bullpen, or should they try to land a big free agent and a few role players to strengthen their lineup?

It’s an argument that happens every single season out here in Padre land. Every year I keep hearing fans call for the “big bat,” though I’ve never heard any of those fans actually give me the definition or throw out a REALISTIC name.

So, I’m curious to hear what other fans have to say on this subject. Are you a believer that pitching and defense is what wins games, or are you one of those that believe without hitting how much does the pitching really matter?

I’m going to make the argument for pitching, since I’ve become a big believer in good pitching and good bullpen. The World Champion Red Sox are a perfect example for me. They finished the 2007 regular season with a 3.87 Team ERA, good for 1st in the AL and 2nd overall (behind San Diego 3.70). They were only 1 of 2 teams in the majors that had a team ERA under 4.00, but that ERA got that much stronger once they got into the playoffs. The Red Sox capped off their World Series run with a 3.27 playoff ERA. I know what you stat happy people are going to say before you even say it too…”but look at the Red Sox team batting average in the playoffs.” Although I will agree that a .313 team batting average in the playoffs is impressive, look at the teams they knocked off in the playoffs and their team ERA’s and tell why I should be impressed. In the first round, the Red Sox knocked off the Angels and their 6.66 team ERA, then the Cleveland Indians and their 5.55 team ERA.

Want another example? How about the 2006 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals? The Cardinals were very lucky to play in the worst division in baseball with the NL Central, but they made the most of their playoff experience when they got there. They finished the 2007 regular season with a 4.54 team ERA, 9th in the NL, 16th overall. Their team batting average, .269 was 4th in the NL, 15th overall. Then came the playoffs and the Cardinals pitching shut down everyone they faced. Their team ERA went from a 4.54 regular season to a 2.68 playoff ERA and the biggest example of why I think hitting isn’t as important? Look at the Cardinals team batting average during the playoffs…. .248.

I guess the bottom line in my stat riddled argument is, if you can build a good rotation and a good bullpen to follow, your offense can put up 2-3 runs a game and still win games, win the division and get yourself into the playoffs. As we all know, anything can happen during playoff time, and usually does.

No related posts.