04/25/24
February 03, 2011
Andy Pettitte to retire: Next up, the Hall of Fame question.
those racist BBWAA fucks are happily going to keep guys like . . . Clemens out of the Hall for some years
Confusing.
I'd say he's borderline, but I'd vote for him. Won't have strong feelings either way. But if they're going to let Jack Morris in, I don't see how you keep Pettite out. Also, I like Jason Stark, but is he seriously trying to suggest most HoF pitchers have a lifetime WHIP under 1? Is that true?
EDIT: Nope, I'm an idiot, he said more hits than innings pitched. However, Pettite's WHIP isn't crazy. It might be 717th, but it was in an offense-heavy era and the average HoF WHIP is 1.2. And there are 5 or 6 pitchers with Hits/ IP > 1.
posted by yerfatma at 08:21 PM on February 03, 2011
I'd say the linked article is right on, although I don't think it's going to be that tough of a decision. I also don't know what a racist BBWAA fuck is.
posted by tselson at 12:08 AM on February 04, 2011
BaseBall White Anger Association?
posted by Drood at 12:51 AM on February 04, 2011
Will the Yanks really miss Pettitte?
posted by justgary at 12:54 AM on February 04, 2011
The fact Pettitte retiring is such a big deal with the Yankees is mainly because of the shaky, uncertain status of their rotation. I don't think they were relishing the idea of having to lean on him as much as they probably would, but that was the sorry state of their upcoming season.
As for Pettitte being a Hall of Fame candidate, I don't see it happening. His post-season record not withstanding, his other numbers are very good, but not great, and the steroid issue makes not getting in a certainty.
posted by dyams at 08:05 AM on February 04, 2011
But if they're going to let Jack Morris in, I don't see how you keep Pettite out.
They haven't let Morris in yet.
posted by grum@work at 08:51 AM on February 04, 2011
Oh, I know that, I'm just bracing for the inevitable. It feels like the hoary old anti-stat writers are going to act as though he's their reward for finally letting Blyleven in. And yet Frank Viola gets left out.
posted by yerfatma at 08:57 AM on February 04, 2011
For all the talk about what a proven playoff performer Pettite was, it really comes down to wins (a record 19 postseason wins) and that comes down largely to opportunity (playing for contending teams and playing in an era when there was an extra round of playoffs compared to certain predecessors). His postseason splits (3.83 ERA, 1.304 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 2.5 BB/9) are very close to his career numbers (3.88 ERA, 1.357 WHIP, 6.6 K/9, 2.8 BB/9). Very valuable player over the years, but not HoF caliber.
posted by holden at 12:04 PM on February 04, 2011
Whoa means no for Pettitte's Hall shot
posted by justgary at 09:32 PM on February 04, 2011
No - I don't think Pettite gets in. He's the poster-boy for close, but not quite.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:59 AM on February 05, 2011
Modern era of baseball demands Cooperstown find place for Pettitte
posted by justgary at 11:19 AM on February 05, 2011
Will the Yanks really miss Pettitte?
They carefully prepared for his departure by signing AJ Burnett to a multi-year deal - brilliant.
Got the Yanks penciled for a 3rd place finish this year.
posted by cixelsyd at 11:52 PM on February 05, 2011
He's a no-brainer choice to not make the HoF. Stark points it out well: never great, just reliably good- and since those racist BBWAA fucks are happily going to keep guys like Bonds and Clemens out of the Hall for some years, if not permanently, then there's no way "Steroid" Pettitte should be considered.