Coutesy of Cleveland.com
In 2010, the Cleveland Indians were in a hurry to get rid of veteran closer Kerry Wood to pave way for youngster Chris Perez. Their urgency was justified, as Perez posted a sensational 1.71 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 2.18 K/BB. However, Perez’s success was based on an incredibly unsustainable .222 BABIP and alarming 4.13 xFIP. In 2011, Perez has regressed mightily.
Despite a 2.96 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, the young righty’s ability to strikeout batters has completely soured (from 8.7 K/9 to 5.5 K/9), and his already mediocre control (4.0 BB/9 last season) has spiked a few ticks (4.4 BB/9). Even more troubling is his unsustainable luck (.225 BABIP) and eye-popping 5.10 xFIP. Unless Perez can do the impossible and defy all peripherals for a career, his bubble will explode. And when it does, Vinnie Pestano should be the Indians closer. Continue reading
