Carlos Pena does make a difference in their lineup too. He hadn't been slugging at the rate he had in previous years, but he had been a decent OPS guy who gave a guy like Longoria a bit of protection.
Also don't forget Jeff Niemen on that starting staff. When you have three really good starters, and than a bullpen of Cormier, Wheeler, Balfor, Benoit, and Soriano that alone will give you a chance to win your share of ball games. Even their 4-5 guys Shields, and Davis are above average for those roles. Any team who have 3 guys in the bullpen at this point in the season with 40+ innings pitched and ERA's of 2.08 or better is likely contending. Hellickson has also given them 3 fantastic starts, and Sonnestine would be a 4-5 starter on any team not named the Rays, Yankees, or Red Sox.
__________________
"Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
|