In case you missed it WTB's resident hero, Ian Snell, pitched a great game last week, going 7 innings giving up 2 ER and striking out 7 in a no decision against the Nationals. With that start, Ian has now pitched three consecutive quality starts of seven innings or more. His consistency and ability to go deep in games is going to be of particular importance today against the Rangers, since in addition to the abscence of injured closer Salomon Torres, the Pirates will also likely be without his replacement Matt Capps due to suspension. Which means that the security of today's game could well rest in the hands of Dan Kolb. Yeah, that Dan Kolb. So what is going to happen today?
Well, it is rather obvious isn't it?
With his bullpen in tatters and facing the slumping Rangers at home Snell is primed (Dare I say destined?) to throw a complete game today. Write it down. Snell is gonna break one out tonight. After all, what is a hero if not someone who rises to the occassion?
Snell also holds a rather interesting distinction at present. He is one of only three pitchers in the National League to rank in the top ten in ERA, WHIP, and Ks. (Jake Peavy and Rich Hill being the other two.) So those kind of numbers are looking pretty good for perhaps...an All Star appearance? While at first this may seem a little far fetched, consider this: the Pirates are only going to get the one mandatory All Star, and in looking at their current roster there only seems to be two real opponents to Snell getting the nod. Jason Bay is batting .285 with 11 HR and 45 RBI, and Tom Gorzelanny is 6-3 with a 2.76 ERA. In the head to head with Gorzelanny, Snell is going to have to string together 2 or 3 straight wins from here on out to overtake him as perhaps a record of 7-4 or 8-4 might be enough to pull into the lead. Bay may well be the tougher competition based on name recognition, but the glut of great outfielders in the NL might give Snell and Gorzelanny the edge. So how will it pan out? Only time will tell, but know this: a true hero will step up.
The Conquering Hero, Season to Date:
W-L: 5-4ERA: 2.91
WHIP: 1.15
QS%: .77
K/9: 7.37
UPDATE: Since Ian threw a complete game tonight and made me look like Nostradamus, I will be accepting all requests for Lottery numbers through the end of the week. That is all.
