Fast Starting Pitchers
April 18, 2008 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Odds and Ends, Stats and Analysis
Zack Greinke and Brian Bannister, Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals in recent years have already been eliminated from the playoffs at this point in the season. However this year, the Royals actually find themselves over .500. Why? Look no further than the pitching of Zack Greinke and Brian Bannister. These two pitchers have 0.75 and 0.86 earn run averages, respectively.
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
After a solid season last year, many thought Cole Hamels would be better this season. But this better? Hamels has a 0.82 ERA and has given up only 11 hits in 22 innings. At the age of 24, Hamels is quickly becoming one of the best pitchers in the game.
Ben Sheets, Milwaukee Brewers
Ben Sheets has been good for a long time now. This year, he’s pitching even better than ever. Sheets has authored a 1.17 ERA and a record of 2-0. He’s on pace for yet another great season.
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
While he’s no youngster, Mariano Rivera is proving that old guys can pitch, too. At 38-years-old, Rivera has been dominant to begin the season. He has five saves, a 0.00 ERA, seven strikeout and no walks in six innings. After a relatively shaky season last year, Rivera is showing he still has some gas left in the tank.
