Unless you play fantasy or are a fan of the team these guys are employed by, you might not be aware that they’re putting up some pretty sick numbers.
Javy Vazquez: The 7-7 record is deceiving. Javy’s ERA sits at 2.86, his WHIP is 1.048, and he has struck out 141 batters (3rd in MLB) in 126.0 innings (also good for a 5.88 K/BB).
David Aardsma: Much of the preseason hype for a Seattle closer was given to Brandon Morrow. But after he imploded, Aardsma took over, and has coverted 22 of 24 saves, has an ERA of 1.83 and strikes out more than a batter an inning (53 K in 44.1 IP). Perhaps even more impressive is that he has allowed runs in only 4 of his 45 outings.
Wandy Rodriguez: 117 strikeouts (Johan Santana=117). 10-6 record (Johan=11-7). 2.72 ERA (Johan=2.92). 1.23 WHIP (Johan=1.19). 125.2 IP (Johan=123.1).
Jermaine Dye: Quietly crushing the ball yet again. 21 homers, 59 RBI, and a .294/.368/.557 line (along with an OPS+ of 135).
Derek Jeter: Remember last year when Jeter was being written off (career-low .771 OPS, only 11 SB, worst fielding shortstop of all-time)? Well, the batting average is up to .319, his OPS is at .847, he has 18 steals, and his 10 homers are one shy of lasy year’s total (thank you, New Yankee Stadium). He’s also walking more than he ever has in 10 years (10.6%), with the lowest strikeout rate of his career (12.7%). And don’t look now, but his UZR is 1.8, second-best on the Yankees. Maybe he was hurt last year and no one knew?