As it stands now, Blanton is 7-9 with a 4.10 ERA. I personally feel he gives the A's a great chance to win each time he takes the mound, but contrasted with Street finishing at 20-30+ saves, and Swisher and Johnson both at the 20+ HR mark possibly, Blanton falls short here.

Respect or not, that's the way it's shaking out. I did make sure to include Blanton as part of the comic strip, and in an earlier rev, he made the cut. Sometimes design trumps content. :-)

One snippet I was working on: http://www.louisgray.com/graphics/4_rookies.jpg

In the NL, the last 3 starters were

1995 Nomo 13-6, 2.54 ERA, 236 K.
1998 Wood 13-6, 3.40, 233 K, 20K in one game
2003 Willis 14-6, 3.30, 142 K

History says one needs either a stunning ERA or 13+ wins and a mid 3 ERA.

Blanton right now has 7-9, 4.10, 70K.

I think if he finishes something like 15-10 with a mid 3 ERA, that shoukd get attention, esp if he flirts with a no-no. it's not impossible, but he'd have to cupcake up and pitch really really well and have luck with the wins.