Yesterday, during the game, Joe said something that was interesting.  He was talking about how weird it was to see Roger McDowell come out for a mound chat.  This got me thinking about how good our starting pitching has been so far this year, especially our top 3 starters.  

Here are some numbers to think about:

1. Lowe: In 5 starts - 3.10 ERA, 29 IP, 38 GO
2. Jurrjens: In 4 starts - 1.42 ERA, 25.1 IP, .293 SLG 
3. Vasquez: In 4 starts - 2.63 ERA, 24 IP, 34 K, 4.86 K/BB, 12.75 K/9

All three have 2-1 records so far.  And all 3 rank among the leaders in many categories.

• In ERA:  Jurrjens is 3rd in the NL, Vasquez is 14th, and Lowe is 18th
• Vasquez is 4th in the Major Leagues in K/9 and 6th in the NL in K/BB
• Derek Lowe is 3rd in the NL in GO 
  

How are the top 3 starters from other NL East teams doing?

Mets top 3 in IP:

1. Santana: In 4 starts - 0.70 ERA, 25.2 IP, 37 K, 6.17 K/BB
2. Perez: In 4 starts - 9.31 ERA, 19.1 IP, 15 BB, 6.98 BB/9
3. Hernandez: In 3 starts - 7.31 ERA, 16 IP, 12.38 H/9

Phillies top 3 in IP (excluding Park, who was in bullpen for one game):

1. Myers: In 4 gms - 4.91 ERA, 25 IP, 1.48 WHIP, .592 SLG, 4.21 BB/9, 8 HR
2. Moyer: In 4 games - 5.09 ERA, 23 IP,1.57 WHIP, 11.74 H/9
3. Blanton: In 3 games - 7.31 ERA, 16 IP, 1.81 WHIP, 14.06 H/9

Marlins top 4 in IP:

1. Johnson: In 4 games - 2.20 ERA, 28.2 IP, 0.91 WHIP, 5.80 K/BB
2. Volstad: In 4 games - 2.70 ERA, 23.1 IP, 5.79 H/9
3. Nolasco: In 4 games - 6.86 ERA, 21 IP, 1.67 WHIP, 12.43 H/9
4. Sanchez: In 3 games - 2.50 ERA, 18 IP, 0.95 WHIP

So, while the Marlins and Braves have been getting pretty dominant starting pitching, the Mets (aside from Santana, who has been otherworldly) and Phillies haven't been doing so hot...