News Item: Mariners sign Carlos Silva for 4 years, $48 million
I'm sorry, but that's just insane. I've followed Silva for his whole Twins career and, solid as he may be, giving him more than $10 million a year is just nuts. The only thing crazier would be if a team gave that much to Kyle Lohse- and you just know someone will.
As the Phils, I like the Geoff Jenkins signing, as he should form a fairly decent right-field platoon with Jayson Werth. I'm not worried that they won't score enough runs- they led the league last year, and if you have three superstars in your infield, getting by with an outfield of Burrell, Victorino, and Werth/Jenkins shouldn't be so bad. Even without the scrappiness/gutsiness/playsthegametherightwayness of Aaron Rowand.
Everyone always say that Silva gives a team "innings". And he gave us >200 innings every year. But I hate that phrase, because he gave us crappy innings. I find the most valuable stat is "team W-L record" for each pitcher. I want a pitcher that gives the team wins.
Posted by: Jeff S at December 21, 2007 10:49 PMAny sort of win-loss record is still half based on what a pitcher's team did offensively, and also partially based on what his relievers (if any) did behind him.
I like ERA+, WHIP, and K/9 myself. Those rely much more on the pitcher alone. I don't think a pitcher "gives" the team wins; I think a pitcher puts his team in the position to win, but the offense has to do its job, too.
Posted by: Jeremy at December 23, 2007 12:01 AMSteve - it should be pointed out that the Mariners have basically the same total revenue income as the Red Sox. So I'm not surprised to see them spend money. But I think comparing the way the two organizations spend their money speaks volumes. No way the Red Sox sign Carlos Silva to a deal that big.
Posted by: chris at December 23, 2007 11:17 AM