Comments on: Year in Review: Joe Blanton

By: Greg V.

Greg V. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:37:17 +0000

Blanton is an easy 7.

By: Pat Gallen

Pat Gallen — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:22:31 +0000

Bob, I just dont see why it’s that big a deal. It’s fine, I’ll work out the kinks.

By: Bob Kahn

Bob Kahn — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:10:36 +0000

Pat, if you don’t have a serious methodology for ratings then I would recommend you drop it. I would stick with verbal descriptions. If a rating has to be explained it is not an effective tool.

By: Brooks

Brooks — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:41:25 +0000

The thing that made me believe this season was going to be special was the collapse of the starters in April. I say that because the Phils wound up winning 13 and losing 12 despite having the worst ERA among starters in the ML.
Rauuul!!!!!!

By: Bonezy

Bonezy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:40:58 +0000

I think we need to hook Hamels up with Dr. Phil. He knows how to fix him.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:09:46 +0000

Hell be back as the 4th starter. He logs the innings at just above average.

I dont know why this staff was unprepared to start the season, but since they brought back Rich Dubee I guess it wasnt his fault, couldnt be right? I dont know anyone could have reached Cole Hamels this year to help him, but Dubee didnt do anything. Dubee gets a semi-pass on Lidge because we found out that Lidge was injured all season.

If I were the Phillies, I would file for a restraining order on behalf of Cliff Lee, and keep Rich Dubbe as far away from him as humanly possible. Just do not let them come close at all because Dubeee might say something or look at him wierd and it will mess up Lee’s mojo.

By: Brooks

Brooks — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:57:38 +0000

Why weren’t the Phillies starters prepared for the season to open? All of them had awful stats during the month of April. We know that April was an abomination – analyze his stats since April and I think the ratings will display a different light.
All these statistics are worthless and more speculation than anything but, its our team so:

GS 27 IP 175 H 165 ER 69 ERA 3.55 W-L 12-6

Based on those numbers, JB’s rating would definitely be higher than “Just above average” at 5.8

What was the problem in April?

By: Keith E

Keith E — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:49:01 +0000

I like ‘Big Joe’ and it seems the team plays well behind him. I liken him to Werth in that he will improve each year. His best years are ahead of him and hopefully he spends them here.
@Pat Gallen: imho giving 1/10 points is splitting hairs. Full or 1/2 points are easier to digest. Either way it provides all of us with a means to stay in touch.
GO PHILS!!!

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:55:24 +0000

I wonder what Lidge will get . . .

By: Pat Gallen

Pat Gallen — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:48:31 +0000

Jeff K. if you read above, its going by 1-bad, 5-average, 10-the best.

His numbers show him to be a bit above average. He had a ugly streak, a hot streak, another ugly streak. Who knew the number 5.8 would cause such a ruckus.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:03 +0000

Kentucky Joe was dominant all summer. At least a 7. Couldnt get into a rhythm in the playoffs because we had no pen. Free agent year coming up, I expect big things, say 200 ip. 16-8 3.80 ERA. He gonna want that 200 ip. on his resume going into free agency…

By: Jeff K

Jeff K — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:59:29 +0000

5.8?? I’m all about the random, but if you can honestly say why he wasn’t a 5.5 or a 6.0… more power to you. Second, is this a 10 point scale based on the individual player? Or is it scaled against the team? I mean, a 9/10 for Ryan Howard and what we expect of him means he’s pretty damn close to living up to HIS potential … so a 5.8 out of 10 for Blanton means he’s … failing? …almost failing? against HIS potential? I don’t think so… Joe’s at least a 7.25.

By: Dan S

Dan S — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:39:00 +0000

definately higher than 5.8 I’d say 6 or 7. He was the most consistent phillies pitcher all year

By: Manny

Manny — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:29:02 +0000

That makes more sense, thanks Pat for the clarification.

By: dudley monk

dudley monk — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:04:19 +0000

I like the grading system and the analysis. Right on with Blanton and I agree he deserves a few extra ticks — perhaps up to 6.5 because of the streak and the 12 victories being above average. It is a different grading system, but a good one.

By: Pat Gallen

Pat Gallen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:38:09 +0000

yeah, but then everyone is too lumped together in that area. I’ll just keep it at 1-bad, 5-average, 10-the best. And work around it.

By: joedad

joedad — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:18:52 +0000

I agree with the 7 rating assuming Lincicum was 10 and Lidge was 1.

By: The Dipsy

The Dipsy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:13:59 +0000

Pat, why don’t you just work it like in school. Blanton should be a 7.8 or 78 or a C+, which is basically what he is. Or are we grading these guys “relative to expectations”? Just a thought.

The Dipsy

By: Pat Gallen

Pat Gallen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:52:54 +0000

The grading system is very elementary. It’s basically me throwing a number up there. So don’t look too much into it.

By: Don M

Don M — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:47:19 +0000

ok.. that makes more sense

average MLB starter.. would have the 4.50 ERA, 10 wins, etc..

So it would be a stretch to give Blanton a 7, when Cliff Lee would only merit an 8.5 or so

Blanton, on that scale, would still be around a 6.0 – 6.5 in my mind.. he had a nice season.. a couple No Decision that easily could have made him a 15-game winner … Was GREAT in stretches, and then got POUNDED in stretches..

but overall a nice season from our #3- #4 pitcher