Luvofthegame
09-08-2006, 02:57 PM
Big second half complementing Carpenter's usual dominance
By Jason Grey
Special to MLB.com
9/7/06
Chris Carpenter has had a strong second half as he makes a push for his second straight National League Cy Young Award, posting a 2.82 ERA and two shutouts to take over the ERA lead in the Senior Circuit
However, one could make the argument that since the All-Star break, he hasn't even been the best starter on his own team.
That honor might be reserved for Jeff Suppan.
Yes, the same Jeff Suppan who ended the first half with an ERA of 5.83.
Since the Midsummer Classic, Suppan has posted a 2.24 ERA in 10 starts. That number is the fourth best in the Major Leagues over that span, behind Chad Billingsley, Roger Clemens and the no-hit rookie Anibal Sanchez.
"This is his third year with us," said manager Tony La Russa, "and he's had a bunch of stretches where he's pitched outstanding, and he's going through one right now."
Suppan was a tad unlucky at times in the first half, but how does a pitcher make a complete 180-degree turn in the middle of the season? There have been a few more strikeouts and fewer balls leaving the yard, but is there something more?
"My execution wasn't as good [in the first half]," said Suppan. "It was a matter of knowing my game plan, improving my execution and continuing to work hard. You just try to take the good and the bad from the each start, keep a strong attitude and focus on the next one."
"It's a long season," he added, "and it's not about the first half or the second half, or one game or two games."
That attitude suits La Russa just fine.
"We give pats on the back when the season's over," said the manager, "but he deserves a lot of credit for what he's done. He's really helped us, but his next test is Sunday."
By Jason Grey
Special to MLB.com
9/7/06
Chris Carpenter has had a strong second half as he makes a push for his second straight National League Cy Young Award, posting a 2.82 ERA and two shutouts to take over the ERA lead in the Senior Circuit
However, one could make the argument that since the All-Star break, he hasn't even been the best starter on his own team.
That honor might be reserved for Jeff Suppan.
Yes, the same Jeff Suppan who ended the first half with an ERA of 5.83.
Since the Midsummer Classic, Suppan has posted a 2.24 ERA in 10 starts. That number is the fourth best in the Major Leagues over that span, behind Chad Billingsley, Roger Clemens and the no-hit rookie Anibal Sanchez.
"This is his third year with us," said manager Tony La Russa, "and he's had a bunch of stretches where he's pitched outstanding, and he's going through one right now."
Suppan was a tad unlucky at times in the first half, but how does a pitcher make a complete 180-degree turn in the middle of the season? There have been a few more strikeouts and fewer balls leaving the yard, but is there something more?
"My execution wasn't as good [in the first half]," said Suppan. "It was a matter of knowing my game plan, improving my execution and continuing to work hard. You just try to take the good and the bad from the each start, keep a strong attitude and focus on the next one."
"It's a long season," he added, "and it's not about the first half or the second half, or one game or two games."
That attitude suits La Russa just fine.
"We give pats on the back when the season's over," said the manager, "but he deserves a lot of credit for what he's done. He's really helped us, but his next test is Sunday."