There have been several arguments of late that the Phillies' pitching even comes close to matching the Dodgers. I write this article to rid us of all doubt that the Dodgers are superior.
Let's first look at the two best pitchers on their respective teams. Billingsley and Hamels are both young studs and will be great pitchers for years to come, but for this year, let's look at their numbers.
Billingsley: 16-10, 3.14 ERA 201 SO in 200.1 innings
Hamels: 14-10, 3.09 ERA 196 SO in 227 innings
Billingsley struck out more batters in less innings and posted a better win-loss record on a team that was horrific in the first half of the season. But, all things considered, these two pitchers seem to be pretty close in their performance. Let's compare our next most effective pitchers, Lowe and Moyer.
Lowe: 14-11, 3.24 ERA with 147 SO in 211 innings.
Moyer: 16-7, 3.71 ERA with 123 SO in 196 innings.
These two veterans both had good seasons, but once again, Lowe out-pitched Moyer. He posted a worse record, but mind you, Lowe's record is very misleading. In his first eight losses, the Dodgers scored a total of SEVEN RUNS.
Lowe should have been a 20-game winner this year. Moyer, despite posting a good record, (his team played more consistently and won more games with offense) had a much higher ERA and less strikeouts.
Now, obviously, Moyer isn't a strikeout pitcher, but neither is Lowe, so please don't make that argument. On to Kuroda and Myers.
Kuroda: 9-10, 3.73 ERA 116 SO in 183 innings.
Myers: 10-13 4.55 ERA!! 163 SO in 190 innings.
Myers clearly wins the strikeouts category here, but look at that ERA. Sheesh! He also posted a worse record. As stated before, the Dodgers' offense was horrendous pre-Manny and Kuroda's 3.73 ERA shows that his record doesn't do him justice. Myers had a better offense all year and still posted a worse record.
The starting staff for L.A. definitely gets the trophy in this matchup, which leads me to believe that the series will easily go to the Dodgers. The bullpens, as you will see in a moment, are essentially equal, meaning that, in my opinion, the Dodgers have the upper hand if their starters pitch like they did in the NLDS.
Except for amount of saves, which goes to the Phillies by 12, the bullpens were, for the most part, the same.
Dodgers ERA: 3.33, whip 1.26, K's per 9: 8.62
Phillies ERA: 3.19, whip 1.38, K's per 9: 7.66
This should prove to be an interesting series, but comparing these pitching staffs and coming up with the conclusion that they are equal is absurd. I predict the Dodgers will win it in five.
What do you think?
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3 months ago
Your a Tard. LA will be owned by Philly
3 months ago
Look at the numbers. How can you honestlý say that philly would dominate? The dodgers out performed them in virtually all starting categories...personal attacks aren't needed here...
3 months ago
look beyond the stats, bro!
2nd half Myers is unhittable + the Phils have much more pitching depth.
Philly should handle LA quite easily.
from 3 months ago
Un hittable aside from the game he gave up 10 earned runs? Trust me, he was far from unhittable. The Dodgers will not be "Easily" handled by anyone..
3 months ago
Like your article Andrew - you argue your point well.
However, it the ballpark factor needs to be considered. Dodger Stadium is a far more friendly place for pitchers than that bandbox they have in Philly.
Also, I wouldn't go so far as to say things will be easy. When you start underestimated your competition, that's when you end up with teethmarks all over your backside.
2 months ago
Hey Andrew, thought I'd check out one of your articles. I would encourage you to look at relevant stats. Like the fact that even though Myers has a high era, check out his era vs the Dodgers...1.93. By the way Billingsley vs the Phillies has a 4.50 ERA!!!
from 2 months ago
You're right billy. Thanks for your comment. Please check out my future articles and point more out. You're right, that is more relevant than some of the other stuff I've put in that article.
I still think Billingsley is a better pitcher, but after today...well I guess everyone has bad days.
Thanks
2 months ago
Strange how the Phils' NLDS win is going to a lot of Phillies fans' heads.
2 months ago
Strange how the Phils' NLDS win is going to a lot of Phillies fans' heads.
2 months ago
Ummmm, care to reassess?
from 2 months ago
No, I maintain that the Dodgers will win this series in 6 or 7 games
2 months ago
originally - you said 5 games.. so already your prediction is WRONG!!! --> so now you want to re-access your prediction to 6 or 7 games... WRONG is WRONG... can't go back now Einstein.
I guess Lowe & Billingsley were just not up to the challenge.... The Phillies will win and probably in LA & if not, then game 6 in Philadelphia will be the clincher- PHILADELPHIA --> the home of the REAL baseball fans - 'I maintain' that the PHILLIES will win this series in 5 games or 6 games
from 2 months ago
Define real fans please...and the personal attacks man...sheesh.
Can I ask you how LA fans are not real, as you say, average many more per game than your stadium holds. Also, how many people actually get these predictions right?
I love how you Phillies fans waited to respond until after the result.
You're all living up to the "Philly fan" stereotype. All of you need to grow up.
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