The thinking (besides he’s great) of Jacob deGrom starting Rangers’ season opener
March 24, 2023
(Texas Rangers/Ben Ludeman)
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Jacob deGrom isn’t just the Rangers’ best starting pitcher, but is arguably the best pitcher in baseball.
His two National League Cy Young awards and his $185 million contract speak to that.
So, it wasn’t much of a surprise Friday morning when the Rangers announced that deGrom would be their Opening Day starter.
“This makes all the sense in the world to us,” manager Bruce Bochy said.
But that doesn’t mean the Rangers didn’t consider another pitcher, namely left-hander Martin Perez. There were a few factors, besides a brilliant track record, that sealed the deal for deGrom to make the third Opening Day start of his career.
It’s quite insulting a guy with a 2.52 career ERA was competing with a guy whose career ERA was 2 runs higher. I’m glad they didn’t legitimize this nonsense. Besides, Perez was too busy pitching against the US to actually focus on helping his own team out. I’m glad he got shelled. I’m not watching any start Perez makes this season. He’s so unbearable to watch. He has severe K/BB issue and is a ground ball pitcher, while Heaney has HR issues but is coming off an elite K/BB year. I’d much rather watch someone like Heaney or AJ Griffin over someone like Martin Perez.
Disregard. I see this comment has been responded to before. Pérez is a feel good story and all. Redemption and what not
You’re just wrong about Perez and also how teams determine who makes the Opening Day start. By your logic Julio Urias should not be starting on Opening Day for the Dodgers, but Clayton Kershaw said Urias has the better 2022 and deserved it. I have no problem with deGrom getting it. He’s great. But you really need to stop with the Perez bashing. It’s uncalled for. He went to the WBC with the team’s permission, and I wouldn’t call what happened to him getting shelled. He pitched his tail off to help beat the Dominican. (Eovaldi wanted to go, too, but the insurance company wouldn’t let him.)
The wife & I happen to be off for Opening Day. So we’re going to day date & drive up from Houston. Should be a great day!
Sounds like fun. Enjoy yourselves.
Naming deGromm as opening day pitcher was the only choice that made sense in so many ways. Just marketing alone makes the decision a no-brainer. The deGromm signing has been the centerpiece of the rebuild process over the off season and as important as a home opening day is for every club, naming Perez would have been a disservice to the fans. Now Jeff, I’m not bashing Martin, in fact I totally agree with your comments and I’m a big fan of his… but he ain’t no deGromm.