Is Kenshin Kawakami One of the Most Underrated Starters in the Majors?

What's up with Kenshin Kawakami?

He's on fire, but no one is talking about him.

During the Braves' series against the Dodgers two weeks ago, most fans, myself included, figured that he would be bested by Clayton Kershaw and that the Braves would lose the game. All he did was pitch seven innings of four-hit ball.

Then it came to last weekend's series against the Phillies. Again, most fans, myself included, figured that if the Braves were to lose one game in the series, it would be that one. Wrong again.

Then, tonight against the Mets, Kawakami threw seven innings and allowed only one run.

In fact, since July 8, Kawakami has seven quality starts in eight appearances and has compiled an ERA of 2.39 in four starts during the month of August.

Coming to the majors from Japan always creates an adjustment period. So, if we remove April from Kawakami's stats, he has compiled an ERA from May-August of 3.36, a full point lower than the National League average.

Despite his success this season however, everyone seems too focus on the other starters in the Braves' rotation due to their stellar pitching and keep counting Kawakami out.

This speaks both to the amazing quintet of starters that the Braves have accumulated and to just how under the radar Kawakami has been this season.

When Tim Hudson returns to the Braves Major League roster in the next few weeks the Front Office will have a difficult decision to make. It may very well be Kawakami that gets moved to the bullpen to create room for Hudson.

On the other hand, is it a good idea to upset his groove?

Only time will tell, and I'm glad I don't have to make the decision, because I for one have started to believe in Kenshin Kawakami.