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From quality to queasy

By JOHN ROMANO

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 18, 2001

It is among the more obscure statistics, but the quality start is a good indicator of a starting pitcher's effectiveness.

While often maligned for being too lenient (a pitcher need only go six innings and give up no more than three runs for a quality start) the basic premise is the starter has given his team a chance to win. We have calculated the best and worst starters of 2000 by the percentage of quality starts made. To be eligible, a pitcher needed at least 25 starts or at least 15 quality starts.

There are the usual Cy Young-types atop the list, although younger pitchers like Jeff D'Amico and Javier Vazquez had outstanding numbers despite little fanfare. The Martinez brothers nearly pulled off a sweep with Pedro finishing first and Ramon nearly coming in last.

The best

Pitcher, team,GS,QS,PCT)

Pedro Martinez Red Sox 29 25 86.2

Kevin Brown Dodgers 33 26 78.7

Jeff D'Amico Brewers 23 18 78.2

Tom Glavine Braves 35 26 74.2

Javier Vazquez Expos 33 24 72.7

Randy Johnson D'Backs 35 25 71.4

Greg Maddux Braves 35 25 71.4

Chan Ho Park Dodgers 34 23 67.6

Andy Benes Cardinals 27 18 66.6

Roger Clemens Yankees 32 21 65.6

Mike Sirotka White Sox 3221 65.6

The worst

(Pitcher, team, GS, QS, PCT)

John Halama Mariners 30 7 23.3

Ramon Martinez Red Sox 27 7 25.9

Jose Lima Astros 33 11 33.3

David Cone Yankees 29 10 34.4

Joe Mays Twins 28 10 35.7

Masato Yoshii Mets 29 11 37.9

Chris Holt Astros 32 12 37.5

Rolando Arrojo Col/Bos 32 12 37.5

Jimmy Anderson Pirates 26 10 38.4

Jimmy Haynes Brewers 33 13 39.3

- Compiled by John Romano.

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