Despite losing two of three, I have to say that I was thrilled by certain aspects of our trip to San Diego. Aspect number one revolves around the starting pitching:
NL Team ERA leaders (as starters):
- NY Mets 1.41
- AZ Diamondbacks 2.20
- Colorado Rockies 2.63
- Houston Astros 2.68
- St Louis Cardinals 3.41
K/BB Ratio of top five:
Mets 22/12
D-backs 37/21
Rockies 28/7
Astros 24/8
Cards 27/11
That ratio is second in the NL to only Cincinnati at this point, and it's a 180 degree turn from what we've had in the past. I'm thrilled by this development.
OBP Allowed:
- Mets .264
- 'Stros .269
- Brewers .273
- Cubs .283
- Rockies .290
Pitches per plate appearance:
- Colorado 3.38
- Houston 3.53
- Cubs/Nats 3.6
- Pittsburgh 3.65
Three pitches might not seem like a lot but add it over the course of a six inning start, and then over a 32 start season and you start to see that the extra wear amounts to an additional 576 pitches, or five starts' worth. It's a huge advantage for the Rockies if this trend continues. The sample's still way too small to assume that the trend will continue without looking foolish, but given the strength of opponents this past weekend, it's at least a little more promising for our team than others.