Josh Beckett or Orlando Hernandez: Who Is the Better Postseason Pitcher?

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

When you talk about great postseason pitchers in the last 15 years, the first name that comes to mind may be Josh Beckett. What about Orlando Hernandez? Maybe his name doesn’t come up anymore because he is no longer with the Yankees, and he hasn’t been to the postseason in the three years. You can make the argument that he is just as good, if not a better postseason pitcher than Josh Beckett.

Just take a look at the numbers...

Josh Beckett

Made the postseason three times...won the World Series twice, 2003 World Series MVP, 2007 ALCS MVP

Eight Postseason Series: 87 IP  (W-L) 7-2  13G  12GS   2.90ERA  62H  28ER  20BB  96K

Orlando Hernandez

Made the postseason seven times...won the World Series four times, 1999 ALCS MVP

15 Postseason Series: 106 IP  (W-L) 9-3  19G  14GS   2.55ERA  77H  30ER  55BB 107K

I guess I’m just mad that El Duque doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Most true fans realize how good he really was, but when the postseason is brought up...most don’t mention Hernandez.

As of right now...I think you can give it to El Duque, as he has a lower ERA, a better record, and two more World Series rings. Beckett has been phenomenal in the postseason, and he has many more years in baseball to prove he is better.

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