FanPost

Why I'm sad Max Scherzer is gone

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

As a Twins fan, one would assume that Max Scherzer signing with Not The Tigers would be good. He was the 2013 Cy Young Award winner, and was a candidate in 2014. He put together a pair of solid seasons, going 39-8 in 55 starts with a 3.02 and almost 500 strikeouts. And those are impressive numbers, no matter what league you pitch in.

I'm probably in a small minority when I type these next two tidbits of information for you:

  1. I do not believe Max Scherzer to be an elite, perennial all-star, and he should not have received a contract worth over $200 Million.
  2. I wish Max Scherzer had re-signed with the Tigers.

Woah, Richard, what are you saying?! You're such a hooligan!

I know, I know. Max played for the Tigers. They're a division rival, and Max was 9-2 in 17 starts against Minnesota. But, he did have a 4.44 ERA (3.83 in Minnesota, 5.10 in Detroit). Sure, he struck out a lot batters, but he only lasted an average of six innings against the Twins, and he allowed 49 runs on 91 hits. Historically, he only won games because of his massive run support from the Tigers.

But why do I still want him in Detroit? Simply put: his contract. Oh my goodness, his contract. I know, I know, up above I said he should not have a seven-year/$210 Million contract that will pay him for the next 14 years, but boy howdy wouldn't it be great if Detroit had that burden? Assuming they signed him to a mirror deal, just think about it! Detroit would be on the hook for Scherzer the next 14 years, and would make it a little bit harder for them to sign other free agents.

Sure, Scherzer would still be pitching for the Tigers. But honestly, I will be incredibly surprised if he's still pitching at this level in three years, let alone seven. (Especially with his move to the National League, but that's a different topic in its own).

Yeah, his stats against the Twins are pretty good.

9-2, 99.1 IP, 91 Hits, 49 Runs, 49 Earned, 11 Homers, 32 BB,
103 K, 9.33 K/9, 4.44 ERA, 1.24 WHIP

Yeah, that's good. But then again, I'm okay with going into Detroit to face him once or twice year, when he's giving up five runs per nine innings, especially when he's only lasting six innings.