 |
| Dallas Keuchel |
The 9-9 record wasn't so bad, but the 5.28 ERA -- including a 6.82 ERA in the second half -- the 1.531 WHIP and 1.61 strikeout-to-walk ratio, those weren't so good.
Keuchel pitched so poorly that his veteran presence and World Series experience were deemed unnecessary in the playoffs. He was left off the postseason roster.
But as a consolation prize, he collected the fifth Gold Glove Award of his career, as the best defensive pitcher in the American League. He totaled 41 assists and 12 defensive runs saved. He committed only one error, and thanks to his excellent pickoff move, opponents were only successful on two of six stolen base attempts all season.
That's saying something, because opposing teams generally had a lot of success running against the Sox.
Keuchel joins Mark Buehrle (three-time winner), Jim Kaat (three-time winner) and Jake Peavy as Sox pitchers to win an AL Gold Glove.
Lynn a finalist for Cy Young
Lance Lynn won't be winning any Gold Gloves, but he is one of three finalists for the AL Cy Young Award.
In 28 starts and 157 innings this season, Lynn went 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA. He struck out 176 while walking only 45. He pitched a complete-game shutout in the Sox's home opener against the Kansas City Royals on April 8.
The other finalists for the award are Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees and Robbie Ray of the Toronto Blue Jays. In other words, expect Lynn to finish third in the balloting. However, being named a finalist is a nice accomplishment for Lynn, and it proves that the trade last offseason to acquire him from the Texas Rangers was a worthwhile one.
The AL Cy Young winner will be announced Nov. 17.
Sounds like Kimbrel's getting traded
Check out this story from Scott Merkin that includes this quote from general manager Rick Hahn on relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel, who recently had his $16 million contract picked up.
“What we have to figure out is whether it makes the most sense to have Craig in a White Sox uniform going forward or is there a better use of that spot and him via trade,” Hahn said.
Hahn is famous for saying absolutely nothing, so when he says there's a possibility that a guy is getting traded, that guy is getting traded.
Here's to hoping Hahn knows there is a market for Kimbrel's services. If the Sox can't get anything of value in return, then they should have just declined the contract option. One thing you don't want to see is the Sox having to eat money to get rid of Kimbrel. We'll see what happens in the weeks ahead.
Hendriks honored
In a surprise to absolutely no one, Liam Hendriks was named the 2021 AL Reliever of the Year.
The Sox closer totaled a league-best 38 saves, while going 8-3 with a 2.54 ERA in 69 appearances. Hendriks struck out 113 batters in 71 innings. He allowed only 45 hits and just seven walks -- resulting in an incredible 16.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
He posted a 0.73 WHIP, and opponents batted just .174 against him.
No comments:
Post a Comment