Strikeouts do not trasnlate into Wins!

For years I have been saying one of the most overrated stats in baseball are strikeouts.

Most baseball fans tend to disagree. Strikeouts are definitely one of the most entertaining things in the game. I think we can all agree that there is nothing better late in a close-game than a 3-2 strikeout with runners in scoring position to end the inning/game.

Although strikeouts are certainly exciting they don't necessarily translate into wins for the starting pitcher or the team. Point and reasoning is our beloved Javy Vazquez.

Javy is first in the majors with 125 K's, 8th in the NL in ERA, averaging 1.94 BB/9 and 5.43 K/BB. His stats are fantastic and batters are only hitting a measly .230 against him. The main issue with Vazquez is lack of run support with the Braves.

However what makes Javy the perfect candidate for the reasoning is the fact that he has a career loosing record and is one of baseball best strikeout pitchers the past decade. Javy's years as a Expo were wasted with a bad team but he has played for contending teams since leaving Montreal. Strikeouts only excite the fans but do not translate into wins for the pitcher or team. Other pitchers in the past few years that have faced similar dilemma are Zach Greinke, Gil Meche, Matt Cain, Erik Bedard and Ian Snell. That's why a hitter who is capable of blasting 40 HR's and 110 RBI's is more effective than pitcher who tallies 200 K's a year. Yet again a prime-time hitter is more effective and useful to a team in modern-day MLB than a ace-starter.