Comparing Britton

By just about any standard, Zach Britton's start to his rookie season has been pretty amazing. He is 5-2 with an ERA of 2.42 and that now ranks as the seventh best ERA in the American League. Only three pitchers, Trevor Cahill of Oakland, Detroit's Max Scherzer and Jered Weaver of Los Angeles have more wins with six to his five. Britton's WHIP is now at 1.02 and that is 9th best in the AL. He has now pitched 52 innings and that ties for 13th in the league. Here is how Britton ranks against some other Orioles in comparing the first eight major league starts of each pitcher. Zach Britton (2011): 5-2, 2.42 David Hernandez (2009): 3-3, 3.47 Koji Uehara (2009): 2-3, 4.34 Erik Bedard (2004): 1-2, 4.62 Brian Matusz (2009): 5-2, 4.63 Chris Tillman (2009): 1-3, 4.66 Jake Arrieta (2010): 3-2, 4.87 Brad Bergesen (2009): 2-2, 4.94 Jason Berken (2009): 1-5, 6.25 Only Brian Matusz matched Britton's five wins and only David Hernandez came close in ERA and his was over a full run per game more than Britton at the same point. To me among the most impressive stat on him so far is that Britton has given up one run or fewer in five of his first eight starts. Quite amazing. After his nine shutout innings last night, Britton is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday at Boston's Fenway Park opposite John Lackey. Zach Britton = Must see TV.