Jeff Suppan earning his keep……

In 2007 Jeff Suppan threw more than 200 innings.  And that pretty much sums all the positives.  After a fast start Jeff became quite hittable surrendering 243 by season’s end.  A good many pointed their fingers at the Brewer defense and as many here know Doug Melvin attempted to address that issue with the signing of Mike Cameron to play centerfield with Bill Hall moving to third and Ryan Braun heading out to left field.

After today’s win over the Rockies Suppan has an ERA under 4.  So who is responsible for this progress?

Well, Mike Cameron missed the first 25 games and during his absence “Soup” did not fare well surrendering 40 hits in 34 April innings.  Five homers didn’t help.  Come May Jeff still gave up a hit an inning, walked even MORE guys on a rate basis yet saw his run prevention improve. 

Interestingly, Jeff has been lights out at home (1.50 ERA) and dreadful on the road (ERA over 6).  Even accounting for the vagaries of ERA as a useful stat that’s a stark difference.

Ah, but there are some “tells” available to us.  His Groundball to fly ball ratio is at 1.70 which would be a career high for Jeff if he keeps that pace.  And the Brewers are fourth in the NL in double plays turned.  And even MORE remarkable is that in 2007 Jeff had 11 hits batsmen, 7 wild pitches and gave up 7 stolen bases with nobody being caught.

In 2008?  2 hit batters.  No wild pitches.  2 stolen bases and 5 caught stealing.

Naw, couldn’t be.  Jason Kendall??  For the record the Brewers team totals for wild pitches, etc. are on pace to be lower in 2008.  And if not for Manny’s wild streak early that wild pitch total would be even further reduced.

Maybe folks focussed on the wrong defender as making a difference.......