Top 25 Pitching Performances of the past 25 Years
Posted: Wed Apr 7, 2010 1:39 pm
It’s Top-25 time, and we’re going to honour Opening Week in Baseball with a look back at the top 25 individual pitching seasons from the past 25 years. Why 25? Because I’m too lazy to do 30, and I can’t expertly remember pitching before 1985. Sure these things can be a bit subjective, but we’ll try to back it up with a little statistical insight and analysis. Just so we’re on the same page, let’s look at some of the stats in our one-line dashboard.
Wins- you know, the purpose of the sport and all.
Losses- see Wins, but the opposite.
Saves- some crazy stat formalized in the ‘60s by a sportswriter with way too much time or acid on his hands. Also a crude statistic used to measure a closer’s ability to protect a late-inning lead.
ERA- good ol’ how many earned runs you give up per 9 innings. The lower, the better.
ERA+ – Adjusted ERA, adjusts a pitcher’s ERA according to ballpark and the ERA of the pitcher’s league. So, if your ERA is 3.00, and the league average ERA is 3.00, your ERA+ is 100. The higher your ERA+, the better… elite seasons will have an ERA+ over 200. Ok, get it now?
IP- Innings Pitched.
H- Hits.
Ks- Strikeouts, punch outs, whiffs, you get the picture.
BBs- Walks, or Bases on Balls. If you give up lots of these, chances are you suck.
WHIP- Walks and Hits per inning pitched. The lower the better, because you’re a pitcher and you don’t want to give up either… especially in a contract year.
IF- Intimidation Factor. I made this one up… we cant go all statistic on everything here… this is a subjective method of how intimidating this pitcher was during the season. Eg, Pedro Martinez in prime = IF of 10. 2010 Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff =IF of -2 billion. Ok, we’ll do a 1-10 scale.
#25. Mark Eichhorn – 1986
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
14 6 10 1.72 249 157 105 166 45 0.955 6
Possibly the most under appreciated season ever by a reliever. While the top 25 list is populated with high-profile, dominant seasons by closers, Eichhorn’s 1986 rookie season stands out because relievers are not meant to throw 157 innings pitched in one season, let alone so effectively. Utilizing a herky-jerk sidearm delivery and Frisbee slider, Eichhorn’s ability to dominate right-handers, and eat innings (see 26 appearances with at least 3 innings pitched) made him the ultimate bridge between the 5th and 9th innings. Only a mid-June trip to the DL was able to hold Eichhorn from claiming the ERA title from Roger Clemens.
#24. Trevor Hoffman- 1998
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
4 2 53 1.48 265 73 41 86 21 0.849 8
Kevin Brown was the ace, but Hoffman anchored the Padres’ staff in ’98. The leg kick and arm action masterfully hid the best changeup of the decade. Hoffman was money in the bank, going 53 for 54 in Save opportunities. Batters may not have been terrified to face Hoffman, but no reliever was respected more.
#23. Roger Clemens- 2005
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
13 8 0 1.87 226 211.1 151 185 62 1.008 9
Probably a testament to the power of HGH, Clemens continued his 2nd career resurgence as a 42 year old with the Astros. Not able to sit back and dominate from a strikeout perspective, Clemens became increasingly savvy, mixing in more splitters to get quicker ground-ball outs. Clemens also had more than enough cause to sue for lack of offensive support (he gave up only 8 ER in the 11 starts he sported no decisions in).
#22. Johan Santana- 2004
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
20 6 0 2.61 182 228 156 265 54 0.921 8
Santana dominated his first full season as a starter, and cementing his name as the most dominant power left hander post-Randy Johnson. Santana could throw his change up any time, but most effectively as a whiff-inducer. Also sported the most immaculately manicured facial hair of the era.
#21. Roger Clemens- 1986
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
24 4 0 2.48 169 254 179 238 67 0.969 9
Clemens first 3 months in 1986 (14-0, 20 strikeout game, OppAvg .182) set the tone for the Sox, propelling them to a hotly contested division title (there was a time where the AL East was actually competitive!). Overall, batters hit .195 off the Rocket, unable to hit his Gooden-esque 4 seam fastball. He would later master a splitter, resulting in 3 more appearances in our top 25.
#20. Eric Gagne- 2003
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
2 3 55 1.20 337 82.1 37 137 20 0.692 10
PEDS or not, Gagne’s 2003 season is arguably the greatest season ever by a reliever. The “Bugs Bunny” changeup only looked more hellacious when teamed with a 98 MPH fastball and thigh-busting curve. Gagne was perfect in closing games in 2003, and made opposing batters look wholly unqualified in their choice of profession.
#19. Randy Johnson- 1995
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
18 2 0 2.48 193 214.1 159 294 65 1.045 9
Big Unit’s first appearance on the board. The lingering players’ strike took a month away from Johnson, and 20-win glory, but his ability to control his 100 MPH heater made the Big Unit the most dominant left-hander since Steve Carlton.
#18. Randy Johnson- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
20 4 0 2.28 197 213 147 291 77 1.052 10
As home runs went into the stratosphere, and more players swung for the fences, Big Unit continued to rack up the Ks. 2 games with 19 Ks, and 3 more with 15+ meant things were just getting downright silly for ol’ Randy. Extra points for the Big Unit for grabbing win #20 in relief.
#17. John Tudor- 1985
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 8 0 1.93 185 275 209 169 49 0.938 7
Not many fans these days are aware of John Tudor, one of the savviest left-handers from the 1980s. His remarkable 1985 season was overshadowed by the same-season exploits of Dwight Gooden (see # 5 on this list), but few pitchers were as good over a 3-month period. Tudor began June, 1985 with a 1-7 record, and then ran off an amazing 20-start stretch where he won 18 games, 9 of them by shutout. Tudor may go down in the trivia books as the last pitcher with double-digit shutouts (10) in a season. Not bad for a guy who barely touched 91 mph on the gun.
#16. Dennis Eckersley- 1990
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
4 2 48 0.61 610 73.1 41 73 4 0.614 10
Statistically, the greatest season ever by a closer (see ungodly WHIP)… you couldn’t hit or draw a walk off him. Eckersley set the bar for the modern closer, dominating like no reliever before, and few after.
#15. Kevin Brown- 1996
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
17 11 0 1.89 217 233 187 159 33 0.944 7
Brown was as good a pitcher as you could ask for in the late ‘90s, but he was no better than in 1996 as a Marlin. The herky-jerk across the side delivery made the mid-90s sinker impossible to pick up until its next victim hopelessly chopped the ball into the ground. Key stat, only 33 walks and 8 HR given up in 233 IP.
#14. Randy Johnson- 1999
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
17 9 0 2.48 186 271.2 207 364 70 1.020 10
After dominating the NL over an 11-start stretch for the Astros in ’98, ol’ Randy decides to stay in the Senior Circuit with the D-Backs. Finally healthy, Johnson piles up a career-high 271.2 innings (thus becoming the last pitcher to throw 270+ innings in a regular season). The strikeout totals reach Ryan-esque proportions, but there is little debate that the Big Unit has become the most pure strikeout pitcher in history.
#13. Greg Maddux- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
19 4 0 2.20 189 232.2 200 177 20 0.946 8
By 1997, Maddux was slowly losing velocity on his fastball, but with his control as sharp as ever, he would continue his decade-long dominance of the National League. Curious note, Maddux won 20 games in a season only twice. Astonishing figure for someone who pitched so dominantly (see 355 lifetime wins) on such good teams. (he did win 18-19 games seven times).
#12. Mike Scott- 1986
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
18 10 0 2.22 161 275.1 182 306 72 0.923 10
A classic late bloomer, Scott came into his own once he mastered the split-fingered fastball, to compliment a solid 95 MPH four-seamer and spitball (he faced accusations all season long). Either way, Scott was in the heads of NL hitters, holding opposing batters to a .186 average. Scott saved his best for the post-season, where he dominated a 108 win Mets team in 2 post-season starts (18 IP, 19K, 1 ER, 1 BB). Mike Scott owned 1986.
#11. Roger Clemens- 1990
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 6 0 1.93 213 228.1 193 209 54 1.082 9
Clemens was robbed of a 1990 Cy Young award by voters blinded by Bob Welch’s 27 wins (Clemens bested him in almost all other categories). Adding a split-fingered fastball to his already powerful arsenal, Clemens got stronger as the season progressed; sporting a 1.17 ERA in his final 16 starts.
#10. Randy Johnson- 2002
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
24 5 0 2.32 197 260 197 334 71 1.031 10
Johnson caps off his 5th Cy Young award with his highest wins total and adjusted ERA figure. The lingering question by end of 2002: was the Big Unit the greatest left-hander ever (over Grove and Koufax)?
#9. Pedro Martinez- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
17 8 0 1.90 219 241.1 158 305 67 0.932 9
Also known as the “hey, this skinny pitcher from Montreal is pretty good!” season. Pedro gave a glimpse of what was to come in his last season in Montreal. His changeup finally mastered, Pedro’s willingness to get nasty when need be (and thats 97 MPH nasty we’re talking about) made him a tour de force for les Expos. Extra credit for the 13 Complete Games, including 8 over a 12 start span. Pedro would never complete more than 7 in any other season.
#8. Orel Hershiser- 1988
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
23 8 0 2.26 149 267 208 178 73 1.052 8
Known as a “pitcher’s pitcher”, no hurler finished a season better than Orel Hershiser in 1988. A top-tier pitcher since his first full season in 1984, Orel peaked as a performer over the last 2 months of 1988. Utilizing a heavy sinker and curveball, Hershiser not only completed his last nine starts, he tossed 59 consecutive scoreless innings to end the ’88 season. In the post-season, Hershiser was equally brilliant, leading the Dodgers to upset victories over the Mets and Athletics, going 3-0 with a 1.05 ERA over 43 more innings pitched. One of the best“money pitchers ever.
#7. Randy Johnson- 2001
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 6 0 2.49 188 249.2 181 372 71 1.009 10
The greatest season-long strikeout performance by a pitcher (Ryan had 383 in 1973, but required well over 300 IP to accomplish this), Johnson devastated hitters with a fastball-slider combo that would make Steve Carlton blush. Johnson’s strikeout feats were downright gaudy (one game with 20K, 8 with 14K+, 23 with 10K+). Going on 0 days rest to win Game 7 of the World Series in relief was the highlight, but the entire post-season body of work was equally impressive (5-1 with a 1.52 ERA). Not bad for a 37 year old.
#6. Roger Clemens- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 7 0 2.05 222 264 204 292 68 1.030 10
Armed with either a fresh supply of PEDs, or simply the largest chip ever on one’s shoulder, Rocket Roger enjoyed his best season ever in 1997. Clemens was almost robotic in his ability to dominate game in, game out, racking up a league best 264 IP, and sporting an ERA as low as 1.73 through August. Season highlight: fanning 16 Red Sox at Fenway, and delivering a level 10 intimidation glare at Sox GM, Dan Duquette.
#5. Dwight Gooden- 1985
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
24 4 0 1.53 229 276.2 198 268 69 0.965 9
One of the all-time best seasons ever by a pitcher, 24-4 1.53 are numbers that resonate with many baseball fans. Gooden’s sheer brilliance, combined with his age (20) only added to the mystique of this season. Riding a 4-seam fastball and hellacious 12-6 curveball (his “Lord Charles”), Gooden tossed 8 Shutouts, went 8 innings in 25 of his 35 starts, and broke around 200 kneecaps on way to the Cy Young award. Few batters dug in deep vs Doc in ’85.
#4. Greg Maddux- 1994
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
16 6 0 1.56 271 202 150 156 31 0.896 7
The players’ strike of ’94-95 robbed fans of seeing Maddux pitch 2 complete seasons at his apex. Considering that this is when baseball offenses (and PED dealers) went into overdrive, only elevates Maddux’s performance that much more. The 1.56 ERA should say enough, but as impressive was Maddux going at least 7 IP in 22 of his 25 starts. Whether it was a first pitch changeup, or a backdoor two-seamer for the strikeout, Maddux would throw whatever the batter was not thinking would come.
#3. Pedro Martinez- 1999
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
23 4 0 2.07 243 213.1 160 313 37 0.923 10
Cited as one of the greatest seasons ever by a pitcher (and #3 on this list), Pedro intimidated an offense-saturated AL to the point of submission. A 2-seam fastball with ridiculous late-movement, complemented a deadly tight-spinning hook, and delicious changeup (as good a strikeout changeup that ever existed). The 13.2 K/9 IP (2nd all time) gets all the attention, but the true standout stat was the Strikeout to Walk ratio.
#2. Greg Maddux- 1995
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
19 2 0 1.63 262 209.2 147 181 23 0.811 8
By 1995, Maddux had mastered how to counteract his declining velocity with enhanced pitch movement and guile. As offensive numbers further escalated into the Stratosphere, Maddux would dictate the flow of any game he pitched, almost bending it to his will. With Maddux on the mound, games would rarely last much longer than 2 hours.
#1. Pedro Martinez- 2000
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
18 6 0 1.74 291 217 128 284 32 0.737 10
The pinnacle in pitching over the past 25 years. Despite only taking the mound 29 teams, Pedro was otherworldly in 2000. Not only the premier power pitcher in the AL, Pedro exhibited the greatest control this side of Greg Maddux… and that was how you could describe Pedro… Greg Maddux with a killer fastball. How he lost 6 games is unbelievable (he sported a 2.43 ERA in his losses). Even bigger accomplishment, bringing the Geri-Curl back to Major League Baseball (you’re not alone, Juan Guzman!).
www.tdot-sports.com
@TDotSports
Wins- you know, the purpose of the sport and all.
Losses- see Wins, but the opposite.
Saves- some crazy stat formalized in the ‘60s by a sportswriter with way too much time or acid on his hands. Also a crude statistic used to measure a closer’s ability to protect a late-inning lead.
ERA- good ol’ how many earned runs you give up per 9 innings. The lower, the better.
ERA+ – Adjusted ERA, adjusts a pitcher’s ERA according to ballpark and the ERA of the pitcher’s league. So, if your ERA is 3.00, and the league average ERA is 3.00, your ERA+ is 100. The higher your ERA+, the better… elite seasons will have an ERA+ over 200. Ok, get it now?
IP- Innings Pitched.
H- Hits.
Ks- Strikeouts, punch outs, whiffs, you get the picture.
BBs- Walks, or Bases on Balls. If you give up lots of these, chances are you suck.
WHIP- Walks and Hits per inning pitched. The lower the better, because you’re a pitcher and you don’t want to give up either… especially in a contract year.
IF- Intimidation Factor. I made this one up… we cant go all statistic on everything here… this is a subjective method of how intimidating this pitcher was during the season. Eg, Pedro Martinez in prime = IF of 10. 2010 Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff =IF of -2 billion. Ok, we’ll do a 1-10 scale.
#25. Mark Eichhorn – 1986
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
14 6 10 1.72 249 157 105 166 45 0.955 6
Possibly the most under appreciated season ever by a reliever. While the top 25 list is populated with high-profile, dominant seasons by closers, Eichhorn’s 1986 rookie season stands out because relievers are not meant to throw 157 innings pitched in one season, let alone so effectively. Utilizing a herky-jerk sidearm delivery and Frisbee slider, Eichhorn’s ability to dominate right-handers, and eat innings (see 26 appearances with at least 3 innings pitched) made him the ultimate bridge between the 5th and 9th innings. Only a mid-June trip to the DL was able to hold Eichhorn from claiming the ERA title from Roger Clemens.
#24. Trevor Hoffman- 1998
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
4 2 53 1.48 265 73 41 86 21 0.849 8
Kevin Brown was the ace, but Hoffman anchored the Padres’ staff in ’98. The leg kick and arm action masterfully hid the best changeup of the decade. Hoffman was money in the bank, going 53 for 54 in Save opportunities. Batters may not have been terrified to face Hoffman, but no reliever was respected more.
#23. Roger Clemens- 2005
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
13 8 0 1.87 226 211.1 151 185 62 1.008 9
Probably a testament to the power of HGH, Clemens continued his 2nd career resurgence as a 42 year old with the Astros. Not able to sit back and dominate from a strikeout perspective, Clemens became increasingly savvy, mixing in more splitters to get quicker ground-ball outs. Clemens also had more than enough cause to sue for lack of offensive support (he gave up only 8 ER in the 11 starts he sported no decisions in).
#22. Johan Santana- 2004
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
20 6 0 2.61 182 228 156 265 54 0.921 8
Santana dominated his first full season as a starter, and cementing his name as the most dominant power left hander post-Randy Johnson. Santana could throw his change up any time, but most effectively as a whiff-inducer. Also sported the most immaculately manicured facial hair of the era.
#21. Roger Clemens- 1986
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
24 4 0 2.48 169 254 179 238 67 0.969 9
Clemens first 3 months in 1986 (14-0, 20 strikeout game, OppAvg .182) set the tone for the Sox, propelling them to a hotly contested division title (there was a time where the AL East was actually competitive!). Overall, batters hit .195 off the Rocket, unable to hit his Gooden-esque 4 seam fastball. He would later master a splitter, resulting in 3 more appearances in our top 25.
#20. Eric Gagne- 2003
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
2 3 55 1.20 337 82.1 37 137 20 0.692 10
PEDS or not, Gagne’s 2003 season is arguably the greatest season ever by a reliever. The “Bugs Bunny” changeup only looked more hellacious when teamed with a 98 MPH fastball and thigh-busting curve. Gagne was perfect in closing games in 2003, and made opposing batters look wholly unqualified in their choice of profession.
#19. Randy Johnson- 1995
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
18 2 0 2.48 193 214.1 159 294 65 1.045 9
Big Unit’s first appearance on the board. The lingering players’ strike took a month away from Johnson, and 20-win glory, but his ability to control his 100 MPH heater made the Big Unit the most dominant left-hander since Steve Carlton.
#18. Randy Johnson- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
20 4 0 2.28 197 213 147 291 77 1.052 10
As home runs went into the stratosphere, and more players swung for the fences, Big Unit continued to rack up the Ks. 2 games with 19 Ks, and 3 more with 15+ meant things were just getting downright silly for ol’ Randy. Extra points for the Big Unit for grabbing win #20 in relief.
#17. John Tudor- 1985
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 8 0 1.93 185 275 209 169 49 0.938 7
Not many fans these days are aware of John Tudor, one of the savviest left-handers from the 1980s. His remarkable 1985 season was overshadowed by the same-season exploits of Dwight Gooden (see # 5 on this list), but few pitchers were as good over a 3-month period. Tudor began June, 1985 with a 1-7 record, and then ran off an amazing 20-start stretch where he won 18 games, 9 of them by shutout. Tudor may go down in the trivia books as the last pitcher with double-digit shutouts (10) in a season. Not bad for a guy who barely touched 91 mph on the gun.
#16. Dennis Eckersley- 1990
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
4 2 48 0.61 610 73.1 41 73 4 0.614 10
Statistically, the greatest season ever by a closer (see ungodly WHIP)… you couldn’t hit or draw a walk off him. Eckersley set the bar for the modern closer, dominating like no reliever before, and few after.
#15. Kevin Brown- 1996
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
17 11 0 1.89 217 233 187 159 33 0.944 7
Brown was as good a pitcher as you could ask for in the late ‘90s, but he was no better than in 1996 as a Marlin. The herky-jerk across the side delivery made the mid-90s sinker impossible to pick up until its next victim hopelessly chopped the ball into the ground. Key stat, only 33 walks and 8 HR given up in 233 IP.
#14. Randy Johnson- 1999
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
17 9 0 2.48 186 271.2 207 364 70 1.020 10
After dominating the NL over an 11-start stretch for the Astros in ’98, ol’ Randy decides to stay in the Senior Circuit with the D-Backs. Finally healthy, Johnson piles up a career-high 271.2 innings (thus becoming the last pitcher to throw 270+ innings in a regular season). The strikeout totals reach Ryan-esque proportions, but there is little debate that the Big Unit has become the most pure strikeout pitcher in history.
#13. Greg Maddux- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
19 4 0 2.20 189 232.2 200 177 20 0.946 8
By 1997, Maddux was slowly losing velocity on his fastball, but with his control as sharp as ever, he would continue his decade-long dominance of the National League. Curious note, Maddux won 20 games in a season only twice. Astonishing figure for someone who pitched so dominantly (see 355 lifetime wins) on such good teams. (he did win 18-19 games seven times).
#12. Mike Scott- 1986
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
18 10 0 2.22 161 275.1 182 306 72 0.923 10
A classic late bloomer, Scott came into his own once he mastered the split-fingered fastball, to compliment a solid 95 MPH four-seamer and spitball (he faced accusations all season long). Either way, Scott was in the heads of NL hitters, holding opposing batters to a .186 average. Scott saved his best for the post-season, where he dominated a 108 win Mets team in 2 post-season starts (18 IP, 19K, 1 ER, 1 BB). Mike Scott owned 1986.
#11. Roger Clemens- 1990
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 6 0 1.93 213 228.1 193 209 54 1.082 9
Clemens was robbed of a 1990 Cy Young award by voters blinded by Bob Welch’s 27 wins (Clemens bested him in almost all other categories). Adding a split-fingered fastball to his already powerful arsenal, Clemens got stronger as the season progressed; sporting a 1.17 ERA in his final 16 starts.
#10. Randy Johnson- 2002
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
24 5 0 2.32 197 260 197 334 71 1.031 10
Johnson caps off his 5th Cy Young award with his highest wins total and adjusted ERA figure. The lingering question by end of 2002: was the Big Unit the greatest left-hander ever (over Grove and Koufax)?
#9. Pedro Martinez- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
17 8 0 1.90 219 241.1 158 305 67 0.932 9
Also known as the “hey, this skinny pitcher from Montreal is pretty good!” season. Pedro gave a glimpse of what was to come in his last season in Montreal. His changeup finally mastered, Pedro’s willingness to get nasty when need be (and thats 97 MPH nasty we’re talking about) made him a tour de force for les Expos. Extra credit for the 13 Complete Games, including 8 over a 12 start span. Pedro would never complete more than 7 in any other season.
#8. Orel Hershiser- 1988
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
23 8 0 2.26 149 267 208 178 73 1.052 8
Known as a “pitcher’s pitcher”, no hurler finished a season better than Orel Hershiser in 1988. A top-tier pitcher since his first full season in 1984, Orel peaked as a performer over the last 2 months of 1988. Utilizing a heavy sinker and curveball, Hershiser not only completed his last nine starts, he tossed 59 consecutive scoreless innings to end the ’88 season. In the post-season, Hershiser was equally brilliant, leading the Dodgers to upset victories over the Mets and Athletics, going 3-0 with a 1.05 ERA over 43 more innings pitched. One of the best“money pitchers ever.
#7. Randy Johnson- 2001
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 6 0 2.49 188 249.2 181 372 71 1.009 10
The greatest season-long strikeout performance by a pitcher (Ryan had 383 in 1973, but required well over 300 IP to accomplish this), Johnson devastated hitters with a fastball-slider combo that would make Steve Carlton blush. Johnson’s strikeout feats were downright gaudy (one game with 20K, 8 with 14K+, 23 with 10K+). Going on 0 days rest to win Game 7 of the World Series in relief was the highlight, but the entire post-season body of work was equally impressive (5-1 with a 1.52 ERA). Not bad for a 37 year old.
#6. Roger Clemens- 1997
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
21 7 0 2.05 222 264 204 292 68 1.030 10
Armed with either a fresh supply of PEDs, or simply the largest chip ever on one’s shoulder, Rocket Roger enjoyed his best season ever in 1997. Clemens was almost robotic in his ability to dominate game in, game out, racking up a league best 264 IP, and sporting an ERA as low as 1.73 through August. Season highlight: fanning 16 Red Sox at Fenway, and delivering a level 10 intimidation glare at Sox GM, Dan Duquette.
#5. Dwight Gooden- 1985
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
24 4 0 1.53 229 276.2 198 268 69 0.965 9
One of the all-time best seasons ever by a pitcher, 24-4 1.53 are numbers that resonate with many baseball fans. Gooden’s sheer brilliance, combined with his age (20) only added to the mystique of this season. Riding a 4-seam fastball and hellacious 12-6 curveball (his “Lord Charles”), Gooden tossed 8 Shutouts, went 8 innings in 25 of his 35 starts, and broke around 200 kneecaps on way to the Cy Young award. Few batters dug in deep vs Doc in ’85.
#4. Greg Maddux- 1994
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
16 6 0 1.56 271 202 150 156 31 0.896 7
The players’ strike of ’94-95 robbed fans of seeing Maddux pitch 2 complete seasons at his apex. Considering that this is when baseball offenses (and PED dealers) went into overdrive, only elevates Maddux’s performance that much more. The 1.56 ERA should say enough, but as impressive was Maddux going at least 7 IP in 22 of his 25 starts. Whether it was a first pitch changeup, or a backdoor two-seamer for the strikeout, Maddux would throw whatever the batter was not thinking would come.
#3. Pedro Martinez- 1999
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
23 4 0 2.07 243 213.1 160 313 37 0.923 10
Cited as one of the greatest seasons ever by a pitcher (and #3 on this list), Pedro intimidated an offense-saturated AL to the point of submission. A 2-seam fastball with ridiculous late-movement, complemented a deadly tight-spinning hook, and delicious changeup (as good a strikeout changeup that ever existed). The 13.2 K/9 IP (2nd all time) gets all the attention, but the true standout stat was the Strikeout to Walk ratio.
#2. Greg Maddux- 1995
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
19 2 0 1.63 262 209.2 147 181 23 0.811 8
By 1995, Maddux had mastered how to counteract his declining velocity with enhanced pitch movement and guile. As offensive numbers further escalated into the Stratosphere, Maddux would dictate the flow of any game he pitched, almost bending it to his will. With Maddux on the mound, games would rarely last much longer than 2 hours.
#1. Pedro Martinez- 2000
Wins Losses Saves ERA ERA+ IP H Ks BBs WHIP IF
18 6 0 1.74 291 217 128 284 32 0.737 10
The pinnacle in pitching over the past 25 years. Despite only taking the mound 29 teams, Pedro was otherworldly in 2000. Not only the premier power pitcher in the AL, Pedro exhibited the greatest control this side of Greg Maddux… and that was how you could describe Pedro… Greg Maddux with a killer fastball. How he lost 6 games is unbelievable (he sported a 2.43 ERA in his losses). Even bigger accomplishment, bringing the Geri-Curl back to Major League Baseball (you’re not alone, Juan Guzman!).
www.tdot-sports.com
@TDotSports