Zack Greinke: Now Officially the Greatest Pitcher in Major League History

Not because he won his first Cy Young award today in such dominating fashion that it makes me think the BBWAA are on the up-and-up, but because of this:

I thought that could push [CC Sabathia] over the top [in the Cy Young voting], because his won-loss record was way better than mine. But I’m also a follower, since Brian Bannister’s on our team, of sabermetric stuff and going into details of stats about what you can control.

*sniff* As if I couldn't love him more.

And oh, my friends, it doesn't end there. From that paragraph on you have Brian Bannister hailing Greinke's greatness as being a result of his understanding of FIP and Zone Rating and so much more.

Joe Posnanski is clearly behind all this.

A Brief Word

I really like reading this blog. Like, a lot. I should try posting in it some time.

Also, how'd that Harold Reynolds prediction on Pujols go?

Derek Jeter Wins AL Cy Young

"Derek Jeter wins the Silver Slugger Award for every position, including DH."

"Derek Jeter wins Rookie of the Year in his 15th major league season."

"Derek Jeter wins NL Manager of the Year."

"Derek Jeter wins futuristic Career Clutch Performer Award"


Notice that he didn't win MVP? Apparently that's the only award he can't win, which makes little sense when you consider the infinite amount of tangible intangibles (yeah, his intangibles are THAT valuable) this guy brings to the table each and every day. It's a twisted universe we live in. Okay, so he only won the Hank Aaron Award, but it's still a travesty nonetheless. This man--if you can even call him that, more like a king, or god-- has now won this award twice. It is supposed to go to the best offensive player in each league. Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira, Miguel Cabrera, Ben Zobrist, and Kevin Youkilis are among those who should be upset--as well as those who are fond of logic.

We've addressed the Hank Aaron Award issue a few times at ATH. Originally I was pissed off about most of the previous winners, then Grif was pissed off about Aramis Ramirez winning, and then I was pissed off again. This could be a very prestigious award if it were done right. Sadly, I do not see that being the case in the foreseeable future, so we will inevitably remain pissed off.

Good day.

Tools to Victory: Game 4 Edition

New spokesperson for Home Depot? I think so. I'd lock this guy up with an endorsement deal for life, brah! Especially with all the brain knowledge he be spittin' out about these victory tools. Case in point:

Yankees

Offensive support for C.C.

Phillies

Blanton, not Lee... We'll see.

Translation: the Yankees need to score runs to win and the Phillies need to... see if Blanton will be better than Lee? See if Blanton will actually be pitching and not Lee? They need to see...... something. I give up. I have no clue how "Blanton, not Lee... we'll see" qualifies for any type of advice or tools for victory. McCarver has entered a new realm of stupidity here, folks. I'm pretty sure he lacks some type of mental capacity.

These "tools" leave the door wide open for what we can expect for the rest of the series.

"Score runs for Lee"

"Francisco, not Stairs... risky affairs"

"Look out for A-Rod!"

"Dynasty? It may be too soon... we'll see"

"Release your inner Phillie Phanatic"

"Jump ahead, stay ahead"

"Win or go home"

I am 83% sure that that last one will be an actual one for the Phillies in game five........... we.will.see.