Ride The Dolphin, Jarrod!
Traditionally quite hittable Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn was suddenly unhittable last night, pitching the 10th 1-hitter in Mariners history. As Dave Cameron at the USS Mariner notes, everything was in place for Washburn: "Ridiculously Good Command + Flyball Lefty + Safeco Field + Terrific Outfield Defense = Awesome." 
But the P-I's Greg Johns says there's more than that. In addition to being backed up by an excellent defensive outfield, Washburn has developed a sinker and, most importantly, a newly nasty curveball, dubbed "The Dolphin." Says catcher Rob Johnson, "There hasn't been one hit off it this year. Not one." Which sounds totally implausible and like something out of a Disney movie. But we'll take it.
Of course, a Disney movie might require an actual dolphin that lives in his locker, which is actually a portal to an infinite-like Narnia-esque water world. That would be awesome.
3 comment(s)
Seely says:
Anybody done a breakdown on what the M's record is with Johnson starting behind the dish versus Johjima? I'm betting that, Mendoza line and all, Rob's got it. Either way, it'd be nice to be able to move Kenji, but his contract renders that impossible.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 7 2009 @ 9:55AM
Damon says:
The closest I've seen is this from commenter bowler866 at USS Mariner:
In 1189 plate appearances for opponents when Johjima has been behind the plate this year, the pitchers that throw to him have an ERA of 4.93. In 1444 plat appearances when Johnson is behind the plate, the pitchers have an ERA of 2.87.
http://ussmariner.com/2009/07/06/a-winning-formula/#comments
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 7 2009 @ 9:58AM
Seely says:
If Johnson's mere presence behind the plate is tantamount to 2 runs per game, then Johjima should only play when Rob needs blood drained from his knees.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 7 2009 @ 12:50PM