Javier Vazquez is the active career strikeout leader in the Majors and has pitched spectacularly since scuffling a bit to begin the year. Since June 16th, when Vazquez gave up 2 earned on 8 hits in 5 innings, he has a 1.91 ERA with 8 wins. Vazquez has announced his retirement pending the end of the year but at age 35, he still has plenty left in the tank. He’s seen his ERA drop from 6.88 to 3.77 and looks like the dominant pitcher the Braves enjoyed for the 2009 season. The thing is that lately Vazquez has been the best pitcher in baseball.
In his last 5 starts, Vazquez has given up 1 earned run while pitching 36 innings (good for a 0.25 ERA). He’s struck out 33 in that span and gotten 5 wins. The man simply knows how to pitch. He has command of four plus pitches and keeps hitters continuously guessing.
As I’m writing Vazquez has finalized his 5th win in this stretch denting the Braves Wild Card plans. Vazquez allowed 2 hits and 1 walk over 7 IP and did not look like the type of guy ready to retire. I admire a man ready to step away when he doesn’t think he can do it anymore but if this September has taught us anything (aside from Baseball will always be competitive) it’s that Javier Vazquez can simply pitch.
Stat of the Day: The Federal Reserve is shifting $400 billion from short- to long-term Treasury securities to push interest rates down and encourage companies to borrow and spend.
-Sean Morash
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