ERA Champ Bests Haren (And Carmona)
by Nico on Sep 28, 2007 10:01 PM PDT
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PrintVlad Guerrero drove in both runs as John Lackey ran his career record against Oakland to 12-3. Final Score: Angels 2, A’s 0.
Among my favorite ways to spend an evening is not to watch one of my very least favorite pitchers blank us for 7 innings – and win the ERA crown in the process – so that one of my very least favorite relievers can get the save. At least K-Rod was so busy making the run to first base that he forgot to celebrate like it was the 7th game of the World Series. Then again, among my favorite ways to spend an evening is to hear Ken Korach say, “The Yankees have been eliminated from the AL East race,” so that helped.
I know Danny Haren’s second half paled in comparison to his first half, and was not dominant. But I also want to point out that Haren and Josh Beckett—who is perhaps the favorite to win the Cy Young award—had virtually the same season. With the one exception that Beckett plays for a team that will often win if he gives up 4-5 runs. Like Haren, Beckett started strong (9-0) and then settled into being merely good, and finished with a higher ERA than Haren. So no, Haren was not brilliant after the All-Star Break, but yes, overall he was great in 2007. Not good, great. And a true highlight in a season that was bullish on disappointments. Hats off to the A’s ace.
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Bad 2nd half, sure
But he finished the season strong. Excellent outing tonight, reminiscent of the 1st half, all the way down to the lack of RS.
Kudos to Danny..
For having overall not just an amazing 2007 season but an absolutely brilliant one. Especially taking into account the lack of run support and injuries. He has emerged as not only a legit ace and staff leader but is one of the best pitchers in the league. I'd argue that him and Mark are the team's co-MVPs this year and the return of both make me very optimistic about the As in 2008. Both of them stepped up when we needed them to. We should have a very good staff in the future as Danny continues to lead by example and teaches the youngsters behind him.
Danny Haren, 2008 opening day starter for the As... I'm already feeling good about next year.
by AsWin on Sep 28, 2007 10:18 PM PDT reply actions
Or at least feeling good about Japan
By the time we get back to Oakland it could be <gulp> "Braden time!" (think "Lima time!" only with a less buxom wife).
Haren had a good 2nd half too
Pre-ASB, Haren faced 517 batters, struck out 19.5% of them, and walked 6.2%. Post-ASB he faced 397, struck out 21.4%, and walked 5.3%. If anything, he actually pitched better. The main difference is the number of singles, which is essentially random.
Haren was absolutely outstanding all season long.
I wouldn't say it's random
but it's basically random from pitcher to pitcher on the same team. There's no question but that the A's defense the second half of the season was abysmal, which really hurt the numbers of the starters (and since the biggest issue was lack of range, that wasn't fully reflected in their unearned run totals). But Haren was also very unlucky with balls in play in the second half, after being very lucky in the first half.
ESPN's stats page seems to be cocked up right now, but I'll post the pre- and post-ASB numbers when I get a chance.
A's defense certainly went downhill
But keep in mind that Haren gave up 14 "unearned" runs in the first half, so while his ERA was 2.30 his RA was half a run higher (he disproportionately benefited from scoring rules).
He also gave up HRs at a much higher rate, which compounded his problem.
by MrIncognito on Sep 28, 2007 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Haren was definitly one of the highlights of
the 2007 season. Thanks Danny! My favorite Allstar...
Let's not go THAT far
He just signed an extension last fall. He's signed through 2009 with a 2010 option.
I'd target next offseason as the point when extension talks should occur.
I also think...
that the As should have talks with Danny regarding an extention this offseason. Sure, he is signed cheaply through 2010; but he does help to sell tickets/ is marketable and he wants to remain an A for a long time. I don't see how talks could hurt just to see where everybody is at. And the signing of our ace further into the future could help to land bigger name free agents. And what better way to gear up for Fremont knowing that two of the "faces" Swisher and Danny will be there.
by AsWin on Sep 28, 2007 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions
The A's actually cannot sign Haren
to a 5-year extension (much less a 10-year one) for a rather arcane reason: California state law prohibits the enforcement of personal service contracts of longer than seven years' duration. The Giants could not have given Zito an 8-year deal even if they had wanted to, and likewise Haren can't be signed to a deal of 8 years total duration.
Anyway, though, pitchers are a volatile commodity. There's no good reason why the A's should risk a Mike Hampton situation for PR purposes. They should keep the active part of Haren's contract at between 2-4 years as long as they feel it's important to keep him. Happily, if he keeps pitching like he has this year, that will be a long time.
Well... on the bright side
if we continue on this road, we'll move higher in the draft order.
Just back from the game
It was cold. The fireworks were not bad, but not as good as Labor Day. Comparatively few Angels fans, thank God.
There's a 50% off on everything sale at all of the Coliseum shops -- so NRAFS, if there's anything you were longing for, let one of us know and we can look for it for you.
Kurt continues to work very, very hard -- he was out on the field before anyone else, practicing blocking pitches and throwing to first with Brad Fischer, over and over and over. I like the kid's work ethic.
But during the actual game the whole team looked lifeless. It was cold and they're going home in two days.
We saw you on TV
Good for you to be out there to represent AN.
Oh, my God
Was I picking my nose? At least if I was, I wasn't wearing any AN gear...
by Englishmajor on Sep 29, 2007 2:04 AM PDT up reply actions
that's exactly what we were saying
about the fireworks.
The team lacked oomph...something that they seemed to finally lose this past week.
The chance to have K-Rod blow the save was real, and got us all excited (anything to stop him from his histrionics after a win!!)...Mike Piazza, what was that?
I dunno
If I had a Cy vote I'd have to give Lackey some real consideration. The bastard. And I was good and ready to boo the K-Rod self-congratulathon, before circumstances favored us, for once.
Laying on the field afterwards, o'er hung by light stantions and gibbous moon, watching fireworks framed by low clouds and a season ground down to the rotors, the L meant nothing next to the Oakland grass. These are the good old days.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Sep 28, 2007 11:48 PM PDT reply actions
Lackey = Asshat
But I'd have to agree with you. Tonight, from my seat in section 115 (one of the best seats I've ever had for a game anywhere), Lackey looked tremendous. I am going to assume that Fat-assScioscia took Lackey out after the 7th to save his arm for the playoffs, since he had only thrown like 73 pitches at that point and looked like he could easily have gone nine. Oh well, at least the Mariners kept Texas from dropping us into the cellar all by ourselves.
Either that or Scioscia wanted to
ensure the ERA crown for Lackey. I don't think the A's looked "lifeless" - I think they looked like they were facing an ace who had his good stuff.
Thanks, Danny, for a memorable season!
Hopefully next year will carry you into the playoffs, where you certainly belong! I'm looking forward to a year of maturity for Braden, Gaudin, and Meyer too. Where's the countdown to spring training?
by A'sfansince1970 on Sep 29, 2007 8:32 AM PDT reply actions
AND Derek Barton looks exciting
even when he walked in the 9th! I am totally psyched for the killer B's of him and Buck adding to next year!
by A'sfansince1970 on Sep 29, 2007 8:33 AM PDT reply actions
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