Start to the Second Half

by CraveCase on Jul 13, 2007 3:25 PM EDT

Now I don't usually post. I'm usually just a reader, but I feel like I need to address the fact that Kip Wells is starting our second half tonight. DO the Cardinals not notice that their "effort" to get back on track is being completely messed up from the very beginning. This goes against any logic, sabermetrics, gut feelings, or common sense. I understand that the Cards don't have a prime selection of starting pitchers, but is Kip Wells honestly the best choice for starting a "comeback"?

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Phillies

We has an above average track record against Philadelphia. But regardless we will find out which direction we are headed soon enough...

by billyhoyel on Jul 13, 2007 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

Points as to maybe why to pitch Wells.

1 - he has a career 1.33 ERA vs. the Phillies and 2.36 ERA vs. the Marlins with over 40 innings pitched versus both (and will be one of only two starters to face both...unless Carpenter makes it back for the Fish...then only one).

2 - it is his slot in the rotation's turn

3 - Since June 20th Wells has pitched 5 games starting 1, throwing 16 innings with a WHIP of 1.06 and a 1.13 ERA with only 5 extra base hits, zero homers AND 14 Ks.

In the same approximate time period, he has pitched better than:

Wainwright - 4 starts, 25 innings, 1.44 WHIP, 4.68 ERA, 9 Ks.
Looper - only really fair to compare post DL stats - 2 starts, 12 1/3 innings, 1.22 WHIP, 5.11 ERA, 2 Ks.
Maroth - only really fair to compare starts since the trade - 3 starts, 15 1/3 innings, 1.30 WHIP, 4.11 ERA, 8 Ks.
Thompson - 5 games, 3 starts, 23 innings, 1.17 WHIP, 3.91 ERA, 7 Ks.

4 - The Cardinals are possibly giving Wells 1 or 2 starts before Carpenter/Mulder get back before either making him a reliever for good or DFAing him.

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 13, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

Good points, but...

1 - Although his stats are good against both those teams, his stats this year cannot be compared to his starts earlier in his career. (On the other hand, his one start against the Phils earlier this year was arguably his best of the year.)

2 - The All-Star break allows for any number of pitchers to start this game.

3 - I would argue that the mindset between a relief pitcher and a starting pitcher is different. To the best of my knowledge, Kip Wells woes have all been psychological. Basically, my point is that his stats were undeniably good as a relief pitcher, but they should be marked with *.

4 - I don't have an argument against that.

by CraveCase on Jul 13, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I think that #1 and #4...

are the main reasons...

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 13, 2007 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

Slotting him in here to start the second half does give him two starts. He bombs in those--or even if he doesn't--Carpenter is ready for what would be Wells's third start, the home game against the Cubs on the 24th.

by Cardinal70 on Jul 13, 2007 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions