Darren Rovell, noted internet twit, commented today that Cliff Lee makes a lot more money than RA Dickey, but Dickey has 11 wins to Lee’s 0. Ah yes, the pitching win, the go to stat of people who like to make poorly thought out points.
Let’s take a look at this year’s version of Cliff Lee versus the one that came in 3rd in last year’s Cy Young voting last year in the National League. You know, last year, when nobody thought “hey, Cliff Lee sure is overpaid!” We will use rate stats, for obvious reasons.
Strikeout rate is slightly lower this year, from 9.21 to 8.91 (all per 9 innings). Walk rate is exactly the same at 1.62. Home run rate is significantly elevated, however, from .7 to 1.04, though his HR/FB% is up 5%, which means his home run rate is likely attributable to misfortune. BABIP is higher than is typical from Cliff Lee. All told, Lee’s ERA IS worse than it’s been since 2007. It is 3.48, (which would be best on the Twins squad, by far). His FIP and FIPx, respectively are 3.11 and 2.68 (which is better than R.A. Dickey’s!).
What should this tell everyone? Perhaps especially those who are good with numbers, as Darren Rovell should be? Cliff Lee is 0-3 on the season because the rest of the Phillies are positively dreadful
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