Thursday, February 12, 2004
WHY WAIT?
Scott Williamson has over powering stuff. He has a career mark of K-ing 10.53 batters per nine innings. In only 342 innings over the past five years, Williamson could still develop into a dominate pitcher out of the pen or in the rotation. Below is Williamson’s career defense independent pitching stats (DIPS) along with Schilling and Lowe’s over the last three seasons (K per 9 / K-to-BB / HR per 9):
Williamson – 10.53/2.11/.71
Schilling – 10.56/7.72/1.09
Lowe – 5.58/2.14/.63
Williamson matches Schilling’s K/9, Lowe’s K/BB and nearly Derek’s HR/9. Williamson has the potential to be a good starter now and with better control become a top of the rotation pitcher.
Williamson has stated in the past that he wants to finish or start games. The acquisition of Foulke eliminates the possibility of becoming the relief ace in the near future; thus the only other option is for him to start in 2005 or head to another club via free agency. The Sox should take a similar approach to Williamson as they did with Kim, if they haven’t already, by saying that the club needs you in the pen this season and next year you are slated for the rotation.
If the Sox act now, it is more likely that Williamson will sign for a reasonable salary ($3-4 million per). Even if he is marketed as a starter or closer, Williamson does not have long track record at either. Most clubs will be taken back by the lack of history which will limit the number of suitors and Williamson’s salary demands. The security of a two-year deal with the Sox and the opportunity to start should be attractive enough to Williamson. The Sox should try to get a deal done with him ASAP.
Scott Williamson has over powering stuff. He has a career mark of K-ing 10.53 batters per nine innings. In only 342 innings over the past five years, Williamson could still develop into a dominate pitcher out of the pen or in the rotation. Below is Williamson’s career defense independent pitching stats (DIPS) along with Schilling and Lowe’s over the last three seasons (K per 9 / K-to-BB / HR per 9):
Williamson – 10.53/2.11/.71
Schilling – 10.56/7.72/1.09
Lowe – 5.58/2.14/.63
Williamson matches Schilling’s K/9, Lowe’s K/BB and nearly Derek’s HR/9. Williamson has the potential to be a good starter now and with better control become a top of the rotation pitcher.
Williamson has stated in the past that he wants to finish or start games. The acquisition of Foulke eliminates the possibility of becoming the relief ace in the near future; thus the only other option is for him to start in 2005 or head to another club via free agency. The Sox should take a similar approach to Williamson as they did with Kim, if they haven’t already, by saying that the club needs you in the pen this season and next year you are slated for the rotation.
If the Sox act now, it is more likely that Williamson will sign for a reasonable salary ($3-4 million per). Even if he is marketed as a starter or closer, Williamson does not have long track record at either. Most clubs will be taken back by the lack of history which will limit the number of suitors and Williamson’s salary demands. The security of a two-year deal with the Sox and the opportunity to start should be attractive enough to Williamson. The Sox should try to get a deal done with him ASAP.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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