The WHIP. It’s a stat that’s prevalent in the vast majority of Rotisserie leagues, but is typically the least recognized and researched of the other stat categories. The whip was also popular in the Indiana Jones trilogy, but we are going to focus on the aforementioned subject line. In this edition of Inside the Numbers, we’ll break down the superlative options over the course of the season in the stat. Which pitchers are best at not allowing runners to reach base? There are some familiar names on this list, but names like Arroyo, Washburn, Webb and Rogers jump out through the first six weeks of the season. If you look at the leaderboard, you’ll notice a common trait among most: good WHIP typically translates to a good win-loss record and a strong ERA as well. When our Little League coaches told us to throw strikes, they knew what they were talking about.
Player, Team WHIP, W-L, ERA
1. Pedro Martinez, NYM 0.86, 5-0, 3.19
2. Jose Contreras, CHW 0.87, 5-0, 1.41
3T. Bronson Arroyo, CIN 1.01, 5-1, 2.03
3T. Roy Halladay, TOR 1.01, 5-1, 2.74
3T. Mike Mussina, NYY 1.01, 6-1, 2.56
Arroyo has been amazing for the Reds, jumping out to a 5-1 start with a microscopic 2.03 ERA in eight starts. He also smacked two home runs in his first two major league games in the NL – but is just 2-for-21 overall (.079) on the year. For a guy undrafted in the vast majority of leagues, he’s been quite possibly the sleeper of the year. Mussina has anchored the Bombers staff all year, racking up a 6-1 record with a 2.56 ERA. He’s got a stellar 47-9 K-BB ratio through eight starts, and at 37 years old, is looking to extend his streak of double-digit win seasons to 15 straight. Contreras, who will be returning from the DL Sunday, and Martinez are each 5-0 and will get starts against their cross-town rivals this week.
Player, Team WHIP, W-L, ERA
6. Tom Glavine, NYM 1.03, 5-2, 2.19
7T. Jeremy Bonderman, DET 1.04, 4-2, 3.74
7T. Chris Capuano, MIL 1.04, 4-3, 2.83
7T. Javier Vazquez, CHW 1.04, 4-2, 3.88
10. Jason Schmidt, SF 1.05, 3-2, 3.20
Glavine’s strong play has earned him another season with the Mets, kicking a 2007 option last week. He’s been phenomenal this season, but had a similar hot start in 2004 only to falter late. In ’04, he started out 6-2 with a 2.12 ERA in his first nine starts, only to finish 11-14 with a 3.61 ERA. If history teaches us anything, he could be a good candidate to trade now while his value is at its highest. Vazquez is having his best year since he was an Expo with the ChiSox in 2006, registering five quality starts in seven trips to the mound. Bonderman has steadily improved all four seasons in the bigs. If you look at his stat lines, his wins, ERA, WHIP and strikeouts continue to improve every year. With the Tigers improved squad, 17 victories and 200 strikeouts are realistic goals for the future ace.
Player, Team WHIP, W-L, ERA
11. Jarrod Washburn, SEA 1.06, 2-5, 3.91
12. Curt Schilling, BOS 1.08, 5-2, 3.76
13T David Bush, MIL 1.09, 3-4, 4.17
13T. John Lackey, LAA 1.09, 3-3, 3.61
15T. Greg Maddux, CHC 1.11, 5-2, 3.10
15T. John Smoltz, ATL 1.11, 3-2, 3.44
Washburn is just 1-5 in his past seven starts, but has posted a respectable 1.06 WHIP. That respectable number is mainly attributed to walking just nine hitters in his eight game starts. He’ll have two starts in week nine and is a decent play then. Schill has also walked just nine hitters in his eight games. After starting out 4-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his first four starts, he’s just 1-2 with a 6.46 ERA in his past four trips to the hill. Maddux has a similar season; starting out 5-0 with a 1.35 ERA in five games and going 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in his previous three appearances.
Player, Team WHIP, W-L, ERA
15T. Brandon Webb, ARI 1.11, 6-0, 2.30
18. Tony Armas Jr., WAS 1.12, 4-2, 3.02
19T. Derek Lowe, LAD 1.13, 1-2, 2.98
19T. Jake Peavy, SD 1.13, 3-3, 3.61
19T. Kenny Rogers, DET 1.13, 6-2, 3.23
The Gambler hasn’t slowed down at all, moving to Motown. His 1.13 ERA won’t likely stay this low though. In 17 previous seasons, he finished below 1.288 only once. Lowe is benefiting from the pitcher-friendly confines of Dodger Stadium, posting a 1.92 ERA in his seven starts since being shelled for seven earned runs in his season debut. He’s only racked up one victory, but is strong play at home or on the road. Webb is having a career-year, remaining undefeated through eight starts. In fact, he has as many wins (six) as walks allowed, compiling a 36-6 K-BB ratio. With his devastating sinker, he’s a must-start every week.