Seriously…how many times are you going to trot him out to the mound and have an offensive letdown, in turn keeping him at 349 career wins? I’m starting to feel bad for the guy, and he seems like he’s let it get to him in a way, which is surprising considering his reputation for being even-keeled. That’d probably wear on me, too. It’s been what, 5 or 6 starts that he’s had a chance to get it? I’d want it over with as soon as possible just so I could move on and re-focus, which I’m sure he wants to do. Not only should he get to this landmark achievement, but he deserves it. He’s an obvious pick for a first ballot Hall of Famer, and even if he ends up with 349 wins, his career has been better than 99% of pitchers ever to play. 4 consecutive Cy Youngs is a feat that very few have done, and I doubt many people ever do it again, and not only did he win 4 in a row, but he was absolutely nasty in those years. His 1994 and 1995 seasons were two of the best pitched seasons in history. In ‘94, he won only 16 games but allowed only 150 hits in 202 innings and had a sensational 1.56 ERA. In ‘95 he had a ridiculous record, 19-2, allowed 147 hits in 209 innings, walked just 23 batters, and had a 1.63 ERA. To get these numbers in this day and age is ridiculous, and anyone who does it is easily a Hall of Fame performer. He’s carried his success into his 40’s and still has a 3.12 career ERA.
I’m sure it’s frustrating for everyone involved, so the Pads should use this as motivation. Hey offense, give the guy some runs and get him #350, he deserves it.
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