Peter Bendix breaks out Matt Garza's most recent seven starts and finds evidence to back the claim that he's learned to channel his emotions and pitch better. Peter also notes that most of those starts have been at home, where Garza has a much better record in general.
This is sort of the classic question: has the player really changed or is this just normal statistical variation? Put it this way: is Garza, right now, closer to a 4.38 pitcher (his ERA in the beginning of the year) or a 2.79 pitcher (his last seven starts)? The halfway point is 3.59. His Q&D Marcel pegs him at 3.90. What do you think?
Dave was called a "national treasure" by Rob Neyer. Seriously. Comments about this article can be sent to him through the miracle of e-mail.
