8/17 vs. Angels

[ORS]

But it isn't tied in as tight as you are portraying it. Several other factors contribute to the team's ability to win games with that pitcher on the mound. The biggest co-contributor is the offense, and the pitcher has f***all impact on how well they do. Let's consider a hypothetical:

 

Do you take a guaranteed 2 ER / 7 IP with the Mariner's offense behind it?

 

or

 

Do you take a guaranteed 3 ER / 6 IP with the Yankee's offense behind it?

 

If I want to win games, it's the latter, if I want the best pitcher, it's the former.

 

Then there's the bullpen. I'll admit, a good start from a pitcher has impact on how well the bullpen will perform, because it's likely a game where the quality relievers will make an appearance. That said, the pitcher hands the game over to another pitcher who has to perform for the team to win.

 

I'm not saying it should be disregarded. I am saying it shouldn't be the forefront of an argument to award the CYA to a pitcher. If there are a couple of guys that perform simlarly in stats that are more indicative of the better pitcher (ERA, WHIP, etc), then I have no problem using wins as a tie-breaker, but it should be down on the list, IMO.