When I was a kid growing up in the 60’s, a pitcher winning 20 games was no big deal. Each league had 4 or 5, and some of them won as many as 25. McLain won 31 in 68, Gibson’s ERA that year was 1.12. Last night the only 2 pitchers in baseball with a shot at 20, fell short. Adam Wainwright left the game in the 6th, with a 6-1 lead, only to see a usually succesful bullpen come apart, and kill his chance. (Wainwright is still my choice as Cy Young) In the other league, C.C. Sabbathia got lit up in his chance for 20. Are the hitters that much better, are bullpens more important than they were in the 60’s and 70’s. Are the parks too small, or is the talent pool for pitching just not as good as it used to be? I can remember Cards and Dodgers doubleheaders where Gibson and Carlton would lose 1-0 to Koufax and Drysdale. Every team had 2 or 3 studs in the rotation. Now it’s an ace and anybody else.
We were discussing this topic on the drive home from Cooperstown. Imagine the Orioles actually had 4 20 game winners on the same roster one year! Any team would be happy with one now days.
Can’t wait for the World Series contest to begin.
Good luck in New Orleans………………make sure Newman has fun! I want him to come to West Palm this April.
Keep smiling