DeGrom is great. He has now pitched three starts of six innings or fewer in 13 months. So to state that he is healthy is premature. Let's see how the stretch and playoffs go. Greatness is also determined by availability, as well as results. I love his pitching. I saw Seaver. Seaver and his generation went nine innings. DeGrom is the greatest six inning pitcher of all time. Six innings is when Seaver, Koosman, Gibson, Carlton got started. The last three innings are the challenge to your body and your mind. Fourth time through the order. They've seen your stuff. You're adjusting as the fastball slows. Adding another pitch, using guile. DeGrom throws fastball and slider, both overwhelming... for 75 pitches (right now; hopefully eventually up to 100). So while we can be amazed at his level of dominance, for six innings, it is a different sport than 40 years ago, and we must acknowledge that. Seaver used to say his pitch count was 125, Koosman 135, Ryan 145. I think he was half kidding because they didn't count pitches. They observed you and if you were appearing tired or ineffective, maybe they pulled you. It was "your game to win or lose" a lot of times. Worth remembering.
DeGrom is great. He has now pitched three starts of six innings or fewer in 13 months. So to state that he is healthy is premature. Let's see how the stretch and playoffs go. Greatness is also determined by availability, as well as results. I love his pitching. I saw Seaver. Seaver and his generation went nine innings. DeGrom is the greatest six inning pitcher of all time. Six innings is when Seaver, Koosman, Gibson, Carlton got started. The last three innings are the challenge to your body and your mind. Fourth time through the order. They've seen your stuff. You're adjusting as the fastball slows. Adding another pitch, using guile. DeGrom throws fastball and slider, both overwhelming... for 75 pitches (right now; hopefully eventually up to 100). So while we can be amazed at his level of dominance, for six innings, it is a different sport than 40 years ago, and we must acknowledge that. Seaver used to say his pitch count was 125, Koosman 135, Ryan 145. I think he was half kidding because they didn't count pitches. They observed you and if you were appearing tired or ineffective, maybe they pulled you. It was "your game to win or lose" a lot of times. Worth remembering.
Excellent info and commentary as always. It is clear that deGrom pitching for any other team is unthinkable.