Phenoms: Paul Skenes making history
Paul Skenes, a 22-year-old pitcher, continues to make waves in Major League Baseball. In his recent game against the Brewers, Skenes pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters before being pulled at 99 pitches. This isn’t the first time he has achieved such an impressive feat. Earlier in the season, in just his second start, Skenes went six-plus no-hit innings and struck out 11 against the Cubs. The only other pitcher to have two such outings in one season was Nolan Ryan in 1973, a player known for his seven career no-hitters.
Skenes’ overall performance this season has been outstanding. He currently boasts a 6-0 record with a 1.90 ERA, 89 strikeouts, and only 13 walks in 66 1/3 innings. He has already been named an All-Star and may even be given the opportunity to start the game. It’s worth noting that he also has a mesmerizing warmup routine.
With his exceptional performance, the question arises: could Skenes be the best rookie starting pitcher of all time? To answer this question, let’s compare his statistics to other notable rookie pitchers.
When looking at the lowest ERA among rookie pitchers with a minimum of 100 innings pitched, Steve Rogers holds the record with a remarkable 1.54 ERA in 1973. However, it’s important to consider that Rogers’ strikeout numbers were relatively low compared to Skenes’. In contrast, Skenes currently holds a 1.90 ERA.
Another metric to consider is ERA+, which takes into account the league average ERA and adjusts it accordingly. Hilton Smith holds the record for the best ERA+ among rookies, with a score of 271 in 1937. Skenes falls slightly behind with an ERA+ of 215.
In terms of winning percentage, Chet Brewer and Jim Nash both achieved a perfect .923 winning percentage in 1926 and 1966, respectively. Skenes has yet to lose a game this season, making his winning percentage unbeatable for now.
Dwight Gooden holds the record for most strikeouts by a rookie pitcher, with 276 strikeouts in 1986. Skenes currently averages more strikeouts per nine innings than Gooden, putting him behind only Kerry Wood and Spencer Strider in rookie strikeout rates.
When it comes to bWAR (wins above replacement), Mark Fidrych had the highest value among rookies with 9.6 in 1976. However, Fidrych’s statistics were accumulated over a larger number of innings compared to Skenes. While Skenes currently has a bWAR of 3.1, it’s important to note that he has pitched significantly fewer innings than Fidrych did.
Considering Skenes’ late debut in mid-May, he certainly has a head start over the other candidates for the best rookie season ever. However, it’s difficult to overlook Fidrych’s impact on the game with his franchise-altering performance in 1976. Skenes’ impressive performance this season is undoubtedly one of the best we’ve seen in recent times.
Ken’s Notebook: Angels’ fate hangs in the balance
The Los Angeles Angels are facing a crucial decision as the trade deadline approaches. The fate of the team rests in the hands of owner Arte Moreno, who will determine the team’s direction based on his expectations for the upcoming seasons. If Moreno is willing to tolerate another losing season, general manager Perry Minasian will be authorized to make deals that add to the team’s young core. However, if Moreno believes that the team can contend in the near future, he may instruct Minasian to keep players under control beyond this season.
Among the potential free agents on the Angels’ roster, closer Carlos Estévez holds the most value. If the Angels decide to trade Estévez, it could make it even more challenging for them to avoid a 100-loss season. Without a significant increase in payroll, the chances of another 100-loss season in 2025 would also rise.
Sources close to the team have revealed that the Angels are currently engaging in conversations and exploring all possibilities. Ultimately, Moreno will have the final say in determining the team’s direction. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Angels’ path has often been unclear under Moreno’s ownership.
In Hindsight: Revisiting the Orioles’ 2019 draft
Looking back at the 2019 MLB draft, it’s easy for fans to second-guess their team’s decisions. For Orioles fans, one particular pick stands out as a missed opportunity. The Orioles selected Gunnar Henderson with the 42nd pick, passing up on several other talented players who were available at the time. However, every other team in the league also passed on Henderson at least once. The Orioles’ decision to select catcher Adley Rutschman with the No. 1 pick instead of a shortstop like Bobby Witt Jr. was a strategic choice. Fortunately for the Orioles, Henderson was still available when they made their second-round selection.
Orioles GM Mike Elias and others have recognized the significance of the 2019 draft for the franchise. The draft also led to the acquisition of players like Corbin Burnes, Cole Irvin, and Kyle Stowers. Despite not having high draft picks in subsequent years, the Orioles have managed to build a strong foundation with their selections. Elias described the 2019 draft as a “franchise-altering” moment, highlighting its importance in shaping the future of the team.
Baseball Card of the Week: 1984 Topps Spike Owen
For many baseball fans, their favorite players are often chosen for personal reasons. In the case of Spike Owen, a player who made his debut in 1983, he was a hometown hero for many kids in Cleburne, Texas. Spike’s older brother Dave also played in the big leagues but had retired by the time young fans discovered the sport. Spike went on to have a successful career, playing 1,544 games with multiple teams. He may not have been a star elsewhere, but in Cleburne, his name was well-known. Until Dillon Gee made his debut in 2010, Spike and Dave were the only two players from Cleburne to reach the major leagues.
Handshakes and High Fives
In other news around the league, Jayson Stark provides his midseason awards and anti-awards, highlighting standout performances and disappointments of the season so far. Tyler Kepner’s “Sliders” column delves into the early-80s White Sox and their coach Jim Leyland, who would go on to have a successful managerial career. Eno Sarris and Rustin Dodd discuss Kansas City’s Seth Lugo and his transition from a long-shot reliever to one of the game’s best starting pitchers. The struggles of big-market mega-teams like the Dodgers and Yankees are also examined, as both teams face challenges and extended slumps.
Furthermore, due to a sore left hand, Jose Altuve will not be able to play in the All-Star game. Marcus Semien and Willi Castro will be taking his place on the roster. Cody Bellinger’s broken finger raises questions about his trade value and its impact on potential buyers. The Mets find themselves in a playoff position, albeit by a slim margin, and Tim Britton explores the different approaches they could take at the trade deadline. Eno Sarris introduces new “expected” statistics to evaluate which hitters have been the most fortunate in terms of power hitting.
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