I know, I don't go to Deadspin for real baseball analysis. Their whole exercise is supposed to be for fun. But then I see this article. The Mariners signed Hong-Chih Kuo. Good for them, and I wish him luck. This article referred to him as a longtime Dodger, which is correct. Now, here's where it gets incorrect:
"OK, injuries, makeup, all that, whatever. Hong-Chih Kuo has a career 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings. 10.6 strikeouts per nine! Where does a team find that on the open market without coaxing Armando Benitez out of retirement? Nowhere, that's where."
Hell of a career for Kuo, especially if you eliminate his 2011 stats. He was a vital part of the bullpen in Torre's days. But Joe doesn't manage the team, Donny Mustache does...and let's look at those 2011 Kuo stats.
(With injuries during the year, mind you)
1-2 record
9.00 ERA
Games: 40
Innings Pitched: 27
"He looked better when he came off the disabled list."
No stats were given to back up that statement. I guess you take things like that on faith, such as "you broke your nose 2 weeks ago, but your face is starting to look better."
Now, beyond the gigantic ERA, another thing to point out: how does one play in 40 games yet only pitch 27 innings? You achieve such a stat by coming in the game and not getting anyone out. Sad truth is, for another "up in the air" Dodgers year (fiscally), there are closers older and younger on the team that have a lower ERA, aren't constantly injured, and cost less (or will cost less once a deal is made). In essence, they're the same as Kuo. Difference is they didn't used to be good. They're better as of now, too.
It's a business. And if you're a sleazeball selling a team, you want shit to be together as possible. You have to look deals. Giving a million to a 9 ERA, not a good deal. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him good...but the Dodgers don't have to pay for it (with what little cash they have).
