So I got to wondering, "What information can be brought up in an arbitration hearing that could tilt the panel one way or the other?" First, let's talk about some rules in arbitration hearings:
1. Sides cannot bring up team finances, previous offers, comments from the press, or salaries in other sports (that last one slays me).
2. Sides can talk about performance and leadership
3. Sides can discuss team record and attendance
4. Sides can discuss "special accomplishments"
5. Sides can discuss salaries of comparable players
Let's get to it. And keep in mind, I'm not advocating either position (until the end, I guess). I'm just trying to think of what each side might say...
Wandy's Case
1. Career highs in Wins, ERA, WHIP, IP, K:BB ratio, ERA+
2. Led team in Wins, IP, ERA, WHIP, Strikeouts, ERA+
3. Opponents had a slash-line average (against) of .250/.309/.386 in 2009. LHBs had an OPS of .502 against
4. Named 2009 Astros' pitcher of the year
5. Joe Blanton just signed a 3-year, $24m deal
Tal's Case
1. While Wandy was 9-3 at home with a 2.08 ERA, he was 5-9 on the road with an ERA almost two points higher (4.05).
2. Wandy was pretty inconsistent. Look at his monthly numbers...
April: 1.69 ERA/1.03 WHIP. 2.25 K:BB ratio, 0HR
May: 2.78 ERA/1.40 WHIP. 3.89 K:BB, 1HR
June: 5.90 ERA/1.59 WHIP. 1.75 K:BB, 11HR
July: 0.75 ERA/0.94 WHIP. 4.86 K:BB, 2HR
August: 4.00 ERA/1.25 WHIP. 2.38 K:BB, 5HR
Sept/Oct: 3.41 ERA/1.27 WHIP. 6.33 K:BB, 2HR
3. Sure, he had a great year, but Wandy didn't receive a single Cy Young vote.
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What am I missing? I think Wandy has a pretty good case...
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
