Quote:
Originally Posted by the 'stache
I wonder what, principally, is to explain for the jump in his strikeout rate the last three years. Between 2011 and 2013, he won two Cy Youngs, and was runner up in the other season. His K/9 IP rate was 9.2. The last three years, that's jumped considerably; a full 2 Ks to 11.2. His walk rate in the first three year span was 2.2/9 IP, and even before this season's historic start, he was averaging 1.5 BB/9 IP between 2014 and '15. So, his walk rate had dropped by about 1/3.
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Bill- without being absolutely sure that any one thing is a 'principal reason' for the statistical enhancements you mentioned:
I would make a few educated guesses:
1.) His learning curve has improved the more he applies what he already knows works and what, if anything, does not
2.) His grasp of individual umpire's strike-zones has improved...as have their expectations of his deliveries.
3.) He is probably physically stronger
4.) That added strength allows him to 'finish up' designed 'out' pitches more efficiently
5.) He has learned to a more certain degree what he can expect from his defense and what he will have to do on his own;
...in short, hard as it is to believe,
he just got better...and that trend won't go on forever...so let's enjoy it while we can!