Pavano’s ERA Is Deceiving

Michael Salfino (NESN.com) says pitcher Carl Pavano is a perfect example of how ERAs can be deceiving.  According to Salfino, Pavano without his five worst starts (as of August 4th) didn’t have a 5.37 ERA, but instead a 3.28 ERA.

Salfino is definitely correct that Pavano is a victim of very bad outings.  Pavano has done well this year with his strike-to-walk ratio, and caused many ground balls.  The few games he got hit hard in, he simply did not have control — and players hit him left and right.

Pavano is a better pitcher than many “experts” give him credit for.  Let’s hope he continues to pitch well for the Twins as they push for the AL Central title.

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