Edinson Volquez on pace for historic season

by Lakeman on Jun 2, 2008 11:17 AM EDT

While perusing some stats on Baseball-Reference.com, I noticed that Volquez is currently leading the NL in Adjusted ERA+ at 304. Now I’m vaguely familiar with this statistic, and while I don’t totally understand how it’s calculated, I think I have a pretty good grasp of what it means.

Adjusted ERA+, as I understand it, is used to compare ERAs from a given season to ERAs from any other season. It compares an individual’s ERA to the average for that season. The adjusted part comes in when Ballpark factors are included. For instance, an ERA of 1.50 in GABP would be more impressive than the same ERA in Petco Park. Beyond that, 100 is the average and you go from there. Higher is better.

Now, it’s June 2nd, and we’re roughly 1/3 of the way through the season. With that in mind, if Edinson could keep this Adjusted ERA+ close to where it is, he could be headed for a historic season. The following is a list of the greatest Adjusted ERA+ seasons since 1920.

1. Pedro Martinez (28) 291 2000 R

2. Greg Maddux (28) 271 1994 R

3. Greg Maddux (29) 262 1995 R

4. Bob Gibson+ (32) 258 1968 R

5. Pedro Martinez (27) 243 1999 R

6. Dwight Gooden (20) 228 1985 R

7. Roger Clemens (42) 226 2005 R

8. Roger Clemens (34) 221 1997 R

9. Lefty Grove+* (31) 219 1931 L

10. Pedro Martinez (25) 219 1997 R

We’ve discussed before whether or not Volquez can keep up this pace (Probably not, IMO), but even if he starts to slip, he could finish with one of the most impressive seasons of all time.

If anyone has corrections, or more to add, feel free to help me out.

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Comments

i hope he wins the CY Young

and Hamilton wins the MVP. I am glad that Hamilton was traded to the American League because I would sure hate the Reds having to face him.

The Dusty Path to the World Series!*

*Note this is not an endorsment of Dusty Baker.

by justin007000 on Jun 2, 2008 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

This is still such an interesting trade

The Rangers lead the AL in Runs Scored, but are dead last in Runs Allowed, and they’re 29-29.

The Reds are 4th from allowing the most runs in the NL, and surely would be last without Volquez. They’re 10th and Runs Scored (although probably on the rise, with Bruce up). They’re 28-29.

As fun as it is to think about an outfield of Bruce, Hamilton, and Dunn, it’s equally scary to think of where our pitching would be without Volquez.

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Jun 2, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

And of course our outfield wouldn't be Bruce/Hamilton/Dunn...

at least not this year. I’m liking Dunn/Bruce/Griffey plus Volquez a lot more than Dunn/Hamilton/Griffey without Volquez.

by Gray on Jun 2, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions

That's true

I guess I was thinking more about down the road, assuming we re-sign Dunn.

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Jun 2, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

1/3 of the season

I’d like to see a list of pitchers who performed this well through 1/3 of the season, compared to how many of them were able to keep it up. That might give us a better idea of what to expect.

by Brian B on Jun 2, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

who are those guys on the list?

I’ve never heard of any of them

Reds fan for 40 years!

by gejoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Pitching Triple Crown?

I know there is such a thing, but I’m not sure what the categories are. However, I believe that he could win it just because he is at the top of about every major pitching category.

www.naptownsfinest.com

by Colts Homer on Jun 4, 2008 10:48 AM EDT reply actions