AccuScore - Pedro Version 2.0

Pedro Version 2.0

Jonathan Lee - AccuScore Analyst

Cliff Lee may be making a mockery of the American League, but maybe even more surprising is the dominance Edinson Volquez is having in the National League. Many pitchers experience a boost in performance shifting away from the hitter-friendly AL and the DH, but nothing like this. Volquez of course was traded from Texas to Cincinnati in the off-season for Josh Hamilton (that trade certainly has worked out for both teams hasn’t it?).

Volquez started 17 games over 3 previous seasons for the Rangers going just 3-11 with a 7.20 ERA while giving up 14 home runs in 80 innings. After going six strong innings for yet another win on Tuesday he is 6-1 this season for the Reds, and has given up just 1 home run in 48.1 innings. Simply incredible.

Volquez actually did have one stretch similar to this in Triple-A in 2007. There, he went 6-1 with a 1.40 ERA striking out 66 batters in 51 innings. He did not allow a home run over that period. Those numbers look nearly identical to his stats so far this season, but that was the minors. To do this at the major-league level clearly takes a special talent, and that is what the Reds have in Volquez. He was given the nickname “Pedrito” or Little Pedro in his native Dominican Republic. Volquez grew up idolizing his countryman that is his namesake, and now he is pitching up to the level of an ace himself.

• Quick fact No.1: Edinson Volquez has previously been known as Edison Volquez and Julio Reyes.

• Quick fact No.2: Volquez is just the fifth pitcher to make at least seven consecutive starts and give up one or fewer runs to start a season in major league history.

• In the same game, Reds shortstop Jeff Keppinger fouled a ball off his knee, dislocating it and likely putting an end to his breakout season, at least for awhile. Jerry Hairston Jr. moved from the outfield and finished the game at short. He could see some at-bats there as could Ryan Freel. Cincy is also expected to make a move for a minor league infielder very soon.

• Mark Hendrickson opposed Volquez (never recommended) and lost just his second start of the year. Despite the pretty ERA and won-loss record, I would stay away like the plague. He’s walked 19 batter this season while striking out just 24, and the Marlins are just playing over their heads at the moment. I’d take the under on Hendrickson winning even 10 games for the season.

• Masahide Kobayashi got the save for the Indians a night after Rafael Betancourt gave up 3 runs in a 0-0 game. Kobayashi got the last four batters out to pick up his first save of the year. This is a developing situation, and may lead to a committee approach until Joe Borowski returns. Or it could be nothing. Either way, it’s still not a good sign for Betancourt owners. On a good note, Travis Hafner was moved up in the order (he hit fifth) as manager Eric Wedge tried to jumpstart his struggling slugger. Hafner responded by going 2-3. Hey, at least it’s a start.

• Josh Beckett was not good Tuesday lasting just 5.2 innings against the Orioles. He gave up 11 hits and 5 runs to up his ERA to 4.21 which is almost exactly league average. Beckett obviously isn’t an average pitcher, but he hasn’t been able to string together a series of dominant performances like a pitcher of his caliber should (very un-Volquez like).

• The loss for the Red Sox puts the (don’t call us the Devil) Rays in sole possession of first place. Long live Tampa Bay! The young upstart Rays got to Mariano Rivera in the 10^th to pick up their 23^rd victory of the season. Edwin Jackson threw seven shutout innings striking out five while issuing just one walk. He lowered his season ERA to 3.47, and is starting to make a believer out of me.

• Quick fact No.3: This is the latest in the season that Tampa Bay has held sole possession of first place.

• Brad Lidge gave up his first earned run of the season, but still got the save for the Phillies. Ryan Howard went 2-4 with 2 runs, but still struck out in his other 2 at-bats. He is still batting just .181 for the season. In stark contrast to Howard, Chipper Jones had another three hits to push his average to .415.

• Quick fact No.4: Howard would have to get a hit in his next 58 at-bats to lift his average to the level of Jones.

• The Padres actually won a game which is news in and of itself. Shawn Estes, last seen in a regular role for Arizona way back in 2005, got the win. Just a thought, but why is Jason Marquis still employed? Wouldn’t it be wiser to give Rich Hill his spot back in the rotation?

• Eddie Guardado got the save against the Mariners in place of the disaster known as C.J. Wilson. Guardado is coming off injury, and has not been an effective pitcher since 2005. I’m not buying (although I’m definitely selling Wilson).

• Speaking of deposed closers, just days after being removed from the ninth-inning role, Eric Gagne got the save against the Dodgers, his former team. Salomon Torres pitched the two previous innings giving up just one walk. Gagne had asked for his job back as if a single day “mental break” was enough to cure his ills. Although he did notch the save, he didn’t make it easy giving up a hit and a walk before finishing the game by inducing a pop fly. I have zero faith that Ned Yost’s decision will work out, and see the committee approach lasting throughout the rest of the season with Gagne just one of many in the bullpen jockeying for saves.

• We all know Lance Berkman has been out of his mind lately. He has raised his average 95 points this month, and extended his hit streak to 12 with another knock against the Giants.

• Edgar Renteria finally got a hit breaking an 0-for-20 streak. It didn’t help as the Tigers got 13 men on base, but scored just twice in a loss to the Royals. Detroit is just 16-23 and look less and less likely to turn it around everyday.

• Quick fact No. 5: Every team in the NL West has gone 4-6 in its last 10 games.

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