by Chris Mottram • Nov 4, 2009 3:42 PM EST
There’s been a smattering of Andy Pettitte Hall of Fame talk popping up in the corners of the internet this week. All of which ESPN’s Rob Neyer — one of the good guys — puts to rest with this post today:
Pettitte simply hasn’t done many of the things that Hall of Fame pitchers are supposed to do.
You can get into the Hall of Fame with a (relatively) pedestrian ERA if you win 300 games; that’s what Don Sutton did.
You get even get into the Hall of Fame with a (relatively) pedestrian ERA if you win only 225 games, but come up big in the postseason and pitch brilliantly for a few seasons; that’s what Catfish Hunter did.
But Pettitte’s got the pedestrian ERA, (roughly) 225 wins, zero top-three Cy Young finishes, and a postseason ledger that falls almost exactly in line with his regular-season performance. The only brilliant thing about Pettitte’s career is his .629 winning percentage … and as Sean points out, Pettitte has usually been blessed with an incredibly potent offense on his side (not to mention an incredibly effective closer).
Actually, Pettitte did come in second in Cy Young voting his second season when he went 21-8 with his typically “pedestrian” ERA and WHIP. So he does have that to put on his resume. Along with steroid user, which — as Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro can attest to — the voters tend to frown upon.
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Comments
Andy's Record speaks for itself!
Andy is the Best. Cole is the newest choker in NY
by TallGuy on Nov 5, 2009 12:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Say What?
Chris if you knew what you are tslking about, you’d have a real job. Worlds Series Wins in why the play the game.
by TallGuy on Nov 5, 2009 12:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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