Detroit right-hander Max Scherzer continues to fly under-the-radar despite boasting a perfect 7-0 record this season, together with a 3.42 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. Scherzer has pitched eight innings in four of his last six starts and currently ranks second in the Majors with 91 strikeouts in 76 1/3-innings of work. Please find below even more reasons for why I believe Max Scherzer is a legitimate Cy Young candidate:
- Scherzer’s command and control has improved over last year’s metrics as evidenced by his 91/18 K/BB ratio in 76.3 innings this season. Even more impressive is the fact that Scherzer has only allowed 50 hits over that stretch;
- Scherzer has limited opponents to one run or less in five of his first eleven starts in 2013;
- Scherzer has lasted at least six innings in nine of his 11 starts this season, which puts him on pace for his first 200-inning season;
- Scherzer’s success in the opening stanza of 2013 has been enhanced by an increased groundball (from 36% in 2012 to 40% this season);
Fantasy sports enthusiasts and sports bettors alike should not sleep on Maz Scherzer as I believe he is a legitimate Cy Young candidate. In fact, I would not be surprised to hear his name discussed at great length come October.
