Gallardo proving his worth

July 2, 9:47 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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AP Photo/Morry Gash

Going into the 2009 season, the Milwaukee Brewers needed an ace starting pitcher – badly.  Who could blame them?  After all, they had just lost two aces in the offseason when righty Ben Sheets and lefty CC Sabathia opted to leave via free agency.  Suddenly a rotation that had one of the best 1-2 punches at the top was now set to be led by a young pitcher who had missed virtually all of the 2008 season with a knee injury.  That young pitcher is Yovani Gallardo, and he has rewarded the Brewers faith this year.

Gallardo burst onto the scene in Milwaukee in 2007, making 17 starts for the suddenly competitive Brew Crew, and showing off why he was labeled Milwaukee’s top pitching prospect.  The Brewers won 83 games in 2007, the most for the franchise since 1992, when they were in the American League.  Gallardo was supposed to team with Sheets in 2008 to form the top of the Brewers rotation, but would make only 4 starts before being lost for the year (though he did come back in time to join the team for their playoff run).

So with one pretty good short season, and one lost to injury, what was expected of Gallardo in 2009?  Nothing much – just to become the ace of the staff and fill the void left by Sheets and Sabathia.  Gallardo has responded with some excellent numbers, despite his 8-5 record, which is primarily the result of some bad luck and lack of offensive support during his starts.  Here’s a look at his 2009 numbers:

• 114 K’s in 104.2 IP; or 9.8 K’s per 9 innings
• .193 batting average against
• .286 on-base percentage against
• .342 slugging percentage against

Those are dominant numbers, folks, and Gallardo is doing it every time out.  Many pitchers have the talent, but finding consistency is what makes a true ace, and Gallardo is doing it at home, on the road and against righties and lefties.  The Brewers will still probably need to acquire another pitcher to keep their hold on first place in 2009, but thanks to Gallardo’s efforts they can shop for a complimentary piece rather than an ace starter.