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Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Bannister combines on three-hit shutout of Tigers

And here begins the Brian Bannister saga: can a pitcher with, at best, average stuff use knowledge of sabermetrics to beat the system? Was holding down one of the most dangerous offenses in the American League a fluke?

If Brian Bannister were a lefty, people would call him crafty. Instead, he’ll have to settle for effective.

Bannister stymied the Detroit Tigers’ heralded offense Wednesday, allowing two singles in seven innings as the Kansas City Royals won 4-0.

“That’s a very good lineup, and they are going to score a lot of runs, but I also know that they have a lot more expectations than we do,” Bannister said. “That’s why I wanted to put them under pressure early.”

Bannister doesn’t try for a lot of strikeouts, preferring to induce grounders and fly balls.

“I get criticized for the way I pitch, but I believe in it, and it’s working,” said Bannister, who went 12-9 with a 3.87 ERA as a rookie last season.

still hunting for a halo-red october (in Delphi) Posted: April 02, 2008 at 11:42 PM | 14 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: royals, sabermetrics

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1. Sparkles Peterson Posted: April 03, 2008 at 12:24 AM (#2728593)

I get criticized for the way I pitch, but I believe in it, and it’s working...

I think most people actually acknowledge that he's making the most of his physical talents. I don't think a lot of people believe he'd be better off trying to blow a high 80s cutter past people to rack up strikeouts. They just don't think he's going to be a late-blooming Greg Maddux.

2. Jim Wisinski

Posted: April 03, 2008 at 12:45 AM (#2728621)

Yeah, I don't see anyone criticizing him for the way he pitches, people just point out that his abilities are going to make it difficult for him to consistently succeed.

3. Hal Chase Headley Lamarr Hoyt Wilhelm (ACE1242) Posted: April 03, 2008 at 12:45 AM (#2728623)

So help me, I am ::thisclose:: to jumping ship and becoming a Royals fan. They have:

-- Brian Bannister
-- Zack Greinke
-- Trey Hillman
-- Joe Posnanski
-- Dayton Moore

... all of whom I'd like to see succeed.

4. Voros McCracken, Human Shield Posted: April 03, 2008 at 12:50 AM (#2728630)

I'm already there. The Royals were very nice to me this spring and so was Brian so they've got my support.

5. Vaux, A.B.D. Posted: April 03, 2008 at 12:54 AM (#2728637)

Yes, I'm rooting for the Royals. Tigers first, of course, but if I'll ever accept a loss it's to Bannister.

6. Dan Evensen Posted: April 03, 2008 at 01:15 AM (#2728662)

GO ROYALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. Zach Posted: April 03, 2008 at 01:29 AM (#2728686)

That's just Banny being Banny.

8. Zach Posted: April 03, 2008 at 01:33 AM (#2728693)

Mark Teahen would also be a good choice for Royals you'd like to see succeed.

9. CFBF Hates Hyphens Posted: April 03, 2008 at 01:37 AM (#2728702)

They just don't think he's going to be a late-blooming Greg Maddux.

Does Brian Bannister think Brian Bannister is a late-blooming Greg Maddux?

10. Every Inge Counts Posted: April 03, 2008 at 01:55 AM (#2728718)

Yeah, I am not too upset with this start. I thought the Royals could easily finish 3rd this year in the Central.

Now if we are losing to the ####### White Sox again this year...

11. Crashburn Alley Posted: April 03, 2008 at 02:01 AM (#2728724)

Royals = lovable losers?

12. Hal Chase Headley Lamarr Hoyt Wilhelm (ACE1242) Posted: April 03, 2008 at 02:02 AM (#2728725)

They don't have the money, so they have to think. And they appear to be doing just that.

13. Walt Davis Posted: April 03, 2008 at 05:33 AM (#2728851)

He's not a lefty? Man, I gotta start watching more baseball.

I'd recommend he channel a bit more Tewksbury. I want to see at least a 2/1 K/BB ratio this season, buddy!

14. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: April 03, 2008 at 05:58 AM (#2728857)

If Brian Bannister were a lefty, people would call him crafty.

If Tom Glavine were a righty, people would call him crappy.

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Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Bannister combines on three-hit shutout of Tigers

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