Disciples of Uecker

It’s extremely disappointing that we don’t get to see Yovani Gallardo make one last start before the all star break. Instead, it will be Doug Davis returning from his enlarged heart problem to make one start before the break. Ideally, Davis will build up some trade value and a team will give the Brewers a C level prospect – think live-arm type A-ball pitcher – and the Brewers will get some financial flexibility.

There’s probably rampant pessimism on Doug’s performance this year, but really he’s been the culprit of poor luck and, although it’s hard to believe, terrible defense. He really hasn’t done that poorly – Davis has walked more batters than you would like, but he has also struck out 8.64 per nine innings and his 1.08 HR/9 rate is roughly average. The only reason his ERA is shockingly high at 7.56 is because of a ridiculous .415 BABIP. He’s drawing ground balls, but the defense isn’t fielding them.

Luckily, he gets to start against a weak Pirates lineup. I know Davis can be annoying to watch – he’s a soft tosser who takes way too much time between pitches – but he should be good enough to bring home a win or two before the trading deadline, and we can see what happens from there.