This is a graph I put together of Tim Hudson's 2014 season. The horizontal axis is each start during the regular season. On the vertical axis, I have shown the innings pitched, in red, and the bases Huddy surrendered (from hits, walks and hit-by-pitches) per innings pitched. I thought this might give a better, although still incomplete picture than merely hits/BB/hbp or earned runs.
As you can see, as the season progressed, his innings pitched per game went down, slightly, and his bases per inning pitched tended upward slightly, even leaving out the terrible 1 inning game against LA on September 13. But Tim Hudson also pitched in the playoffs and World Series (won by the Giants!!!). Everyone remembers his start in game 7 (won by the Giants!!!). It didn't go well. He threw 1 and 2/3 innings, gave 3 hits, walked 1 and gave up 2 runs.
On October 4, Huddy gave us 7 1/4 innings of work, giving up 1 run on 7 hits. He walked no one and struck out 8. That was the 18 inning game against Washington, the Giants winning 2-1. He pitched again October 14, against St. Louis, in game 3 of the NLCS at ATT Park, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits in 6 1/3 innings. The Giants won that game, 5-4 in the 10th. Then, he pitched game 3 of the World Series at ATT on October 24 before the October 29 game 7. In game 3, he picked up the loss, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up 3 runs to Kansas City.
So here is my conclusion: Tim Hudson had a hell of a season for the Giants. He was an ace at the beginning of the year, although he ran out of some steam towards the end. Once he got some rest (he had not pitched since September 24 before the Washington game), he pitched pretty damn well. He is, by his own admission, an old man. But recall that he pitched so well during the early part of the season that he was rewarded with a trip to the All Star game. We would not have been in the playoffs without his contribution. I fully expect him to be rested and sharp for the 2015 season.
30 comments:
He said 2015 would be his final season. I love that the Giants picked him up and he made huge contributions to the championship season. I think he will be effective next year as well. Now the Giants just need to find Mark Mulder and get him a WS ring.
Well, that's the problem I'm worried about. Young players had a hard time recovering (party too hardy?) from prior championships, having a down year the next season. Some have blamed the shortened time to rest due to the extra month of playing.
I think that Hudson getting extra rest due to his broken ankle helped him to do well for us in early 2014. I blame his hip problems for his downturn in late 2014, and the resolution of that hip problem (he said "Meds are good") to his resurgence in last start and playoffs.
But while I don't think he'll be well rested, I've noticed that in his career, he's been a steady Eddie, never too high, never too low, even in his injury years. So come hell, come high waters, I expect Hudson to deliver, once again, a good season overall.
And I think if he happens to get the chance again, he'll be better in the World Series.
Oops, see I just jumped in with first sentence. I don't see Huddy being rested for 2015, while he's probably not partying hard, he did get a lot less rest than he did before the 2014 season.
I read about a week ago that Mark Mulder is supposedly trying to come back, so that is not out-of-the-question.
Meanwhile, the sweat is dripping down everyone's brow on the Panda. As much as I have to grit my teeth to say it, the money right now shouldn't be a decider. The Giants can & should make the most lucrative of the 3 offers, & the type of money being discussed is in line with today's market.
If he's so bent on going to be David Ortiz & Hanley Ramirez's teammate, there's not much that we can do. Despite Robyn's assertion to the contrary, he will NEVER be treated better than he has been in SF. I hope that that tilts things our way.
On another note, given that the Red Sox may be moving H. Ramirez into LF, they have surplus OF's. I would love to see Allen Craig in a Giants' uniform to help make up for the Giants' apparent disinterest in Morse. While not being particularly flashy, he is one of the best clutch hitters in baseball.
According to this story: http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_27001666/report-giants-lose-pablo-sandoval-red-sox, the Panda will be a Red Sox. I agree with Ron, however, he will not be treated better in Boston. And no matter how much he loves Papi, how much longer is Ortiz going to play? A year or two? Anyway, this smells more like rumor than fact, although that doesn't mean it is not correct.
The Sandoval saga drags on, with the Agent for some reason denying that a deal is in place, even though everyone's 'sources' say that it is. Why would he still be doing that? Can't read this one.
Back to Allen Craig, forgot to mention that he's also a former Cal Bear. Grrrah!
You have to admit that splitting a career between the Giants and the Red Sox could be a baseball dream. Especially if the Sox do well. I'm just really glad that Pablo didn't go to SD or LA. It is a big loss for sure but the extra money presents new opportunities. And lots to talk about!
I think the Big Papi factor is important. When your franchise superstar is, well, large and very slow, chances are your front office and fan base are a fair bit tolerant of larger dudes. That, combined with the fact that Ortiz will be fazed out over the next few years, makes it a perfect fit for the Big Panda.
No finality yet on Panda, but, if the Red Sox want to waste $22M/year on H. Ramirez, then great. What a waste of money. And, what a shift - the rumors were that it was an $18M/year deal.
I see this playing out in one of the following ways:
- Either Boston has offered Sandoval much more than has been reported, & he will go there for similar money to Ramirez.
- Sandoval could be so insulted that Ramirez is getting $22M that he could say 'F-You Boston', & return to SF.
If the rumors are true, can Panik play third? Will Scutaro be able to come back? Are the power hitting corner infielders in the minors really not an inside option to play third base? Are Petit and Vogelsong dead in the water with the giants? What about Morse, and Romo? Would you promote Petit to the starting rotation? Without a move, the rotation could be, Bumgarner, Cain, Hudson, Petit, and Lincecum. Sure could use another lefty. Perhaps Vogey could now be the swingman if re-signed. Would like another front end lefty starter, but not willing to give up the lineup to get it.
If the Panda, gets off to a 165 average in Boston, after 5 weeks of the season, he will wished he signed anywhere but Boston, with the possible exception of the Yankees and Philadelphia.
I'm not sure why $22M is a waste and $18M is not. If a team has the money to get the talent they want it is not wasted. But that's stuff for another post. Hanley Ramirez is a stud. He probably should not be a SS, but I'm glad he's not in LA anymore and the Giants don't have to pitch to him. Dodgers will miss his bat.
As far as Boston fans go, they are not the forgiving types. And the media there is full of assholes who have a long tradition of dumping shit on ballplayers. That hasn't changed just because they team has finally won the Series. But Panda has plenty of juice left and he will be popular for the same reason he is here, the goofy uniqueness and outsize personality. I doubt he will ever get the love he gets in SF, but he'll do OK. That is if the rumors are true.
I was joking about Mulder. I heard about his supposed comeback, but he's been out since 2008 and is 37. He'd have to be an extraordinary athlete to make it back. Hard to believe he's on anyone's radar.
ESPN says it is a done deal.
H. Ramirez is a stud?
He is coming off of a marginal offensive season. He & Puig were poor this year - LA's offense was based upon the irritatingly steady A. Gonzalez, a rejuvenated Kemp, & an emerging Gordon, with a sprinkling of retro-Crawford. And, Ramirez is a poor defender at any position. In addition, he has won a grand total of one, count 'em, one postseason series (2013 NLDS). If he is worth $22M, then Panda should be worth $25M.
And, he's a jackass.
Entertaining stuff from a Comment thread on the Boston Globe article about the supposed 'dual signings':
SABARTS11/24/14 12:28 AM
if this is true, this is awful. Did the front office learn nothing about character and chemistry over the last 3 years? This guy will destroy whatever chance there is for a cohesive team and clubhouse. The Sox will never make it back to the World Series with this guy on the team.
You're killing me!
CCBaxter
CCBaxter11/24/14 12:49 AM
Hanley is a prima donna, but he is going to be surrounded by guys who have won championships and who will not tolerate any B.S. His most recent team (The Dodgers) remind me of Red Sox teams from the late 1970's-lot's of talent but in the end, choke artists. It will be a different atmosphere here even after the disaster of 2014.
DisplacedSoxFan
DisplacedSoxFan11/24/14 08:52 AM
I also have deep misgivings about signing Ramirez. This article actually shocked me. I didn't think we could get Panda. Hopefully, the strong character of the team will dampen whatever attitude Hanley has. I was sorry we lost him when he played for the Rays, but not recently. Ortiz should keep him in line.
GeezerGeek3
GeezerGeek311/24/14 09:35 AM
@DPF.. How effective was Ortiz in keeping the chicken eaters inline.
Wakantonka88
Wakantonka8811/24/14 11:05 AM
CC & SoxFan: Where were all these strong character guys this past season?
adztheman
adztheman11/24/14 11:10 AM
Ramirez is going to Edgar Renteria Version 2.0...Meanwhile, Panda will learn all the different ways the Red Sox will disrespect him from Ortiz starting in Spring Training 2015..
This is not going to end well...not at all...
'Chicken Eater' remark explained:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-sox-flop-linked-to-beer-chicken-video-games/
Now, the Red Sox Panda deal appears done - being reported by Schulman (Chronicle) + on Red Sox website as a deal, not as 'sources say'.
See ya, Panda.
Lots of follow-up moves possible for the Giants, & the outcome may be very good for us.
Well, whatever. I guess .277/.352/.450 is marginal when your lifetime line is .300/.373/.500.
I realize that we are supposed to hate the Dodgers, but since when is a 5-WAR guy poor?
Sorry, but those two are studly ballplayers whether they are jerks or not and whether they wear blue or not. I've watched enough baseball in my life to know star talent when I see it.
I'm just glad the Giants don't have to pitch to him any more.
The only comment threads I read are on this blog.
I wish Sandoval well. He will always be in the pantheon. I think he's making a mistake--Boston is a tough market. But he is a big boy and has a chance to show his stuff to a massive audience.
Bad Panda. No doughnut.
I understand he has his eye on a DH spot when Ortiz retires. I liked the comment about Renteria. Washout in Boston, World Series MVP in SF.
Now to find a third baseman. I guess Chase Hendley's price just went up. I'm going to have a hard time getting behind a Chase.
As to Romo and Vogie, I would make a serious effort to sign them both. I thought Petit was already in the fold for next year, is that not right?
And without Morse (although, I don't know what the Giants are going to do about Morse) or Panda, we need to muscle up. I think Belt will improve, but we need another guy to stick in the middle of the lineup with some pop.
Pablo who? Oh him. He was pretty good when he felt like it. All that ridiculous hopping around before each plate appearance, I won't miss that. Did he think all that crap actually mattered? Too much magical thinking.
Good stuff on Pablo from OGC and Shankbone.
Adios, amigo. You were a great Giants player and part of the greatest teams we've seen wear the orange-and-black. Alas, you are going to miss out on all the fun still to come! Hope the big bucks and Boston scene are worth it.
And El Lefty Malo.
I guess Boston is going for some heavy hitting. Remember last year? The Giants need was evident to everyone - we needed some power. So we signed Morse. Now we are in a worse position. We don't have Morse (although, we might still sign him, I guess) and we don't have Panda. I'm sorry, but a 1 - 5 order of Pagan, Panik, Buster, Belt and Pence does not bespeak thump, with the exception of Belt. Good hitters, yes, but not the kind of power that Panda and Morse brought. Arias/Duffy/some other slap-hitting decent glove at third doesn't do it for me. I'm OK with trying Belt in left, I guess, although that strikes me as a downgrade at first defensively, and losing Panda is a downgrade, probably, at third. I like the idea of more pitching, but no matter where you come down on this the inescapable conclusion is that we will need to sign some serious power and do it soon. Yasmany Thomas? I guess that murdering guy, Villanoa, is a bust? Anyway, time to get to work, Mr. Sabean.
What thump did Sandoval bring?
And Pence has had more homers than Morse, on year by year basis, you can't hit for power if you are not in the lineup.
2012-2014
Posey: .314/.381/.497/.878, 183 ISO
Belt: .275/.350/.453/.803, 178 ISO
Pence: .271/.330/.451/.781, 180 ISO
Sandoval: .280/.335/.424/.759, 144 ISO
Crawford: .246/.324/.389/.713, 143 ISO
There's the thump in the lineup, even if we lose Sandoval. He had that 3 homer game on the biggest stage, but he never got into good enough shape, not even in his free agent show-off year when he could have maximized his salary, can you imagine what he would have gotten had he hit like he did in 2011? Now that was thump. 2014, not so much, good luck to the Red Sox if they are expecting thump from him, he's been unable to deliver for three years now, why should they expect him to suddenly find religion and hit for more power in 2015 and the following years.
The only thump Sandoval will bring to the Red Sox is the thump that Boston fans will do beating a dead horse when he gets into one of his annual slumps that accompany his many DL trips.
THanks M.C., you have good stuff here too!
We need a new thread.
I have to disagree that having Crawford in the line-up means that we have plenty of thump. I love the guy, but before the 2014 season the Giants, with Sandoval, made a decision that they had to go out and get a power-hitting left fielder. And before Morse started sucking, he was a significant reason that the Giants ran up the best record in the major leagues (13 hr by the first week in June). Right now, we are in the same place we were last year, minus the Panda. So, unless it was completely off the mark that we needed power last year, we need it worse this year.
My point about Crawford was not that he has thump, my point was that he had as much ISO as Sandoval, who you are saying has thump. Up to you how you want to define thump but Crawford was Pablo's equal in 2014.
I like Morse and would not mind him back. I expect the Giants to pursue thump in LF or first. But I think they have enough with Belt playing full season in 2015, which roughly matches his and Morses 2014 since they missed so much time.
Also, I expect more out of rotation, seems Giants looking for pitching in Lester, plus I think Cain and Lincecum will be much better, making up for thump shortfall.
Zo is right. We need a new thread.
I can not believe the "thump" ( which is just this seasons version of "dinger") fixation has started already. Jeez you guys! Don't you watch the same team as me??? So much energy is put into thinking of our offense and then we always go out and WIN with pitching and defense. I guess I will just keep trying to maintain the balance AND continue my fixation on PITCHING. I just can't stand chatting at length about interchangeable low quality players like Morse (nice guy but NOT an everyday player). Our middle relief pitchers are quite literally more important to our success. People like Romo, Casilla, Lopez and Affeldt are the real keys to the next couple years. These guys are all getting on and finding their replacements is a HUGE endeavor. The stories of Cain and Lincecum in 2015 are clearly more important than how Chase Headley will do at third (yuck, scary thought but it works ok). Will we actually try to get Lester? Imagine having MadBum and Lester at the top of the rotation.
So you guys can keep the focus on the loss of Panda thump (which was not very impressive actually). That stuff is, needless to say, very important and sexy. But after a post season in which starting Travis Ishikawa in left was less significant than which reliever came in the fourth inning, I'm going to stick with fixating on the pitching.
I agree totally with you JC (read my business plan), but I go where the conversation is. :^)
I agree about the bullpen. I've been stating that since at least last off-season. But I think we have some nice pieces internally that I would like to give chances to. Casilla, Lopez, Affeldt, Machi, Petit are givens, leaving two spots. Kontos and Strickland probably fill those two spots, hopefully George learned his lesson about partying in 2013 and hopefully Hunter has forgotten the 2014 playoffs. Then there is Okert who probably will be ready in 2015 sometime, Law too, assuming his recovery from TJS is on track.
And Lester on this rotation would be incredible, though it would really max out my angst and worry beads because of the money being mentioned in relation with his name (6 years, $132M). But if the Giants pull the trigger, I'll live with their expert opinion.
And I agree, Cain and Lincecum are better stories, more so because they should be much better in 2015. Cain is now freed of the limitations those physical problems placed on him previously. So I think he should not only return to prior goodness, but perhaps hit even higher levels. And Lincecum said that he is returning to working with his dad on his mechanics, which should keep him on the straight and narrow, mechanically, during 2015, as long as whatever it was that kept them from talking about his mechanics don't rear its ugly head again. Can you imagine a 2011 version of Lincecum as our 5th starter, along with Lester joining? I would tell the team to get their fingers ready for number 4. :^)
Last comment here because I think there is a 30 comment limit:
http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2014/11/25/7281689/giants-pablo-sandoval-rumors-chase-headley
This makes a fair case. And Jon is absolutely correct that the real interesting stuff has, and will continue to happen in the rotation and relief staff.
Post a Comment