Pitchers Moving to the National League
February 23, 2005
Written by Christopher Meier

Often times the impact of pitching in the National League vs. the American League goes unnoticed. The statistical difference is huge. Want proof? Here it is.

10 of the top 11 leaders in ERA last year came from the National League. The only exception was AL Cy Young winner Johan Santana. 10 of the top 13 leaders in strike outs came from the National League. (Exceptions: Santana, Martinez, and Schilling) Furthermore, look at the stats of notable players that have made the move from the AL to NL.

Roger Clemens made the move to the NL after his prime and managed to win himself a Cy Young and drop his ERA over a full point from the previous two years. Chris Carpenter had two average years in Toronto and after a year of rehab and a move to the National League he managed to lower his ERA almost two full points in an excellent 2004 season. Doug Davis was off to a great start in Milwaukee in 2003 only to be moved to Toronto where he posted an ERA over 5.00 and lost 6-10 games. His numbers last year back in Milwaukee need not be mentioned.

If I've sold you on the idea of drafting NL pitchers for the 2005 season, take notice to a few star quality pitchers moving to the NL.

1. Pedro Martinez: Anything that he may have lost will more than be made up for pitching for the Mets. Expect “The Dro” to be amazing this year if he receives adequate run production and defensive help. He has never had a season with an ERA over 4.00 and don't expect it here. As Peter Gammons reports, Pedro is a top preseason candidate for the NL Cy Young.

2. Tim Hudson: This guy may be the definition of consistency. He is as close to a sure thing in your rotation as you can expect. The ever-contending Atlanta Braves will be a great match for Hudson. He will be able to pitch to guys that have never seen him. A sub 3.00 ERA and a win total in the high teens is a good possibility.

3. Javier Vazquez: Vazquez is one of the most durable pitcher you will find. His innings pitched have been among the top in the league for a number of years. He paid the price by moving in the spotlight last year with the Yankees. Although he had a down year, (along with the rest of the Yanks staff) his numbers in Arizona this year should resemble his tenure in Montreal. Look for a great year from this great pitcher.

4. Estaban Loaiza: Anyone who cashed in on Loaiza two years ago will remember what this guy has in him. He is defiantly considered a sleeper after a very poor 2004. Perhaps a move to the Washington Nationals will revive the nasty pitches he was displaying in 2003.

Expect all 4 of these guys to improve from their 2004 stats. Buy them while they are undervalued and ride them all the way to the league championship.