Jeff Suppan sucks, but don't tell the world yet
The Brewers pretty much did as expected this weekend, going 1-2 in a trio of (moderately) exciting games eclipsed by yet another “wonderful” start from Jeff Suppan and an incredible catch by Reed Johnson robbing a grand slam from Prince Fielder. On Friday I said that I’d be happy with a 2-4 record coming out of this weekend due to the insane pitching matchups the Brewers have had to far, and 2-4 is exactly where they are right now. 2-4 isn’t exactly optimal, but when you face 6 of the best pitchers in the game in a row it’s not unexpected to lose a few and I’m happy to see the offense has performed to the level they have so far.
Suppan has gotten off to an awful head start this year, going 0-2 with an ERA approaching 13 and 7 walks/2 strikeouts and a total inability to get 5 innings in in either of his starts. It’s bad. It’s gotten to the point where people are calling for his head and want him to be DFAd or traded to the first team for a bag of bats and balls. Sure, he’s been horrible, but…not so fast, my friends.
This weekend’s series was amplified simply because it was the Cubs coming into town on opening weekend at Miller Park. It’s been two starts. Unless something’s seriously wrong with his arm, he’s not going to continue the 7:2 BB/K ratio and ERA of 13. If there is something seriously wrong with his arm, or he’s taken a giant step off a cliff, he’ll be shelved for the year on the DL anyways and another equally-frustrating pitcher in Chase Wright or Seth McClung will take his place in the rotation.
It’s two starts yet. Let’s at least give the dude a month to right his location ship before throwing him to the sharks and telling the world that his hefty contract was a waste of money from the beginning. Is Ryan Braun a bad hitter after starting the season with a .613 OPS? “The guys look discouraged when he’s in” isn’t a valid enough excuse to justify jettisoning him two starts into the season. The pressure’s definitely on him to perform up to expectations (4.5-5.00 ERA and an innings eater), but it’s not like this next start should be do-or-die for him. He’ll regress back to normal.
With all that said, this week’s matchups are looking a little more forgiving and a 2-4 start isn’t the end of the world. First it’s the Reds for 3 at Miller Park, and then a trip to New York to go light up perennial overrated veteran Livan Hernandez. If you think Suppan is bad, wait until Livan starts turning into the pitcher he actually is and what the New York media will say about him. You might be thanking your lucky stars that we still have Big (ERA) Jeff and aren’t out signing another puff pitcher to take his place.
Before I leave, I leave you all with the most hilarious video ever: