This season, he's been better (albeit in only four starts -- plus today's start). Coming into this game, he had a K/BB ratio of 3.40 to go with an ERA+ of 113 and an FIP of 2.81
Yet in spite of how well he's pitched thus far, I still can't help but think about how much I hate that he tossed a complete game shutout against the Giants. Because he's not supposed to be this good. This is a guy that, from 2006 to 2010, posted an ERA+ of 93 in over 800 innings, supplemented by a truly mediocre 1.36 K/BB ratio.
I'm dragging on and on here, but point is -- Marquis isn't supposed to be this good; the Giants' offense isn't supposed to be this bad; and that's why this game was so awful.
Notes --
- Marquis faced 31 batters in this game, and it took him only 96 pitches. That's an average of 3.1 pitches per plate appearance (major-league average is 3.8). The Giants really need to see more pitches or there are going to be more games like this one...
- Tim Lincecum also had a great start, with the exception being that home run allowed to Laynce Nix. Through seven innings, Timmy struck out seven and allowed zero walks. If he keeps that walk rate down, he's quite possibly the best pitcher in baseball. That's a big "if," of course...the one interesting thing in this start -- Lincecum's groundball rate was down significantly (at 30%).
- Aubrey Huff continues to look awful. Consider me concerned.
- Lucas Apostoleris (Don't Bring in the Lefty) was kind enough to classify the pitches in Ryan Vogelsong's start on Thursday. You can check out the spreadsheet here, if you're interested. Vogelsong had a whiff percentage of 20.5% on his four-seamer; not bad.
UPDATE: Here's a fun fact...last time an opposing starter needed 96 pitches (or fewer) to throw a shutout against the Giants? 1995. And it was Kirk Rueter.
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