>> I would also add that, from what I recall, it was not just the offense but the bullpen cost him at least a handful of games during the season, particularly when Armando was still around, and, of course, he’s not around anymore…

I agree with that, too. I think Chulk had a couple of games where he lost the lead in Cain starts. It was a failure on both fronts for Matt in 2007, both offense and the bullpen did poor jobs.

I think I’m going to analyze Lowry next, since Lincecum and Cain are a little similar in terms of stuff, and Lowry would be a nice break of pace.

Thanks for the comments!

I would also add that Cain showed great improvement by pitching well on the road as well as at home. In 2006, he was great at home, bad on the road.

Plus, he basically said that he started throwing more fastballs in August, because of something Matt Morris did, and of course that is when he started doing well. I don’t know if the data can be cut by month, but it would be interesting to see all the analysis you did above on his fastballs split by month to see how things changed starting in August.

Again, great stuff, looking forward to your next one; Lincecum? I think Lowry would be extremely interesting too, as to how he can keep his ERA so low giving all the walks and low K/9.