December 20, 2007
Silva by the Numbers
Let's take a look at three projection systems to see how Silva compares with other Seattle starters.
| Pitcher Projections | Silva | Washburn | Batista |
|---|
| Innings | ERA | Innings | ERA | Innings | ERA |
|---|
| Bill James | 199 | 4.61 | 193 | 4.15 | 194 | 4.50 |
| Chone | 194 | 4.45 | 190 | 4.31 | 182 | 4.60 |
| Marcels | 177 | 4.65 | 176 | 4.45 | 166 | 4.77 |
Basically, Seattle purchased a clone of Washburn and Batista. But that's not a bad thing. Consider that the ERAs the four men who manned the four-five slots ranged from 5.15 to 8.03. Silva gives them a solid fourth man in the rotation, a huge improvement over 2007. The Mariners scored 4.9 runs per game last season. If they can improve that mark a bit, this staff is good enough to produce a winning record.
In addition to that, Silva also goes quite deep into games allowing for less bullpen pitchers (although a relatively strong bullpen) between he and the fireman.
