A little more Davies

So my last post I kind of hung my hat on Davies H/9 and K/9 but really didn't go to any more detail. I know he has improved tremendously in those areas this year but I became curious about two thing: 1) what where his minor league numbers? and 2)  how many people last season gave up less than 8 H/9 and while registering more than 8.5 K/9?

Year	WHIP	H/9	K/9
Minors	1.22	7.7	8.5
'05-'08	1.64	10.4	6.4
2009	1.29	7.9	8.6

I guess since the 2009 sample size is so small (24 innings) we don't know yet if it is sustainable but they do mirror his minor league numbers, which makes me believe that if in fact he has figured things out then he certainly can keep his H/9 and K/9 right where they are at. And though he has been around a while he still only just 25 so that is another point in his favor.

So how many pitchers last season gave up less than 8 H/9 while striking out more than 8.5 per 9? Four.
Edison Volquez
Jake Peavy
Tim Lincecum
Scott Kazmir

Ten players are on pace to do it this year (again, sample size) led by Johan Santana and Zack Greinke.
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Speaking of Zack, he is awesome at interviews:

“So it’s a mistake. They’ll probably sell their least amount of magazines in a long time — except when NASCAR was on the cover.”

I like NASCAR but still find this hilarious. After all he has been through I doubt the SI jinx is going to get him.