Which Young Pitcher Will Have the Best Year?

We asked the question, "Which young pitcher will have the best year?" and the choices were Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, and Carlos Villanueva. Unfortunately, it can no longer be Gallardo since he is most likely out for the year with a torn ACL. What's surprising is that Manny Parra tied Gallardo in votes, and this was before Gallardo went down with the injury.

Parra, 25, made his Brewers debut last season and pitched in 26.1 innings. He posted a 3.76 ERA. This season he's off to a rocky start with a 5.86 ERA and a 1-2 record. With the exception of his last start in Houston where he allowed 5 runs, Parra has pitched well enough to keep the Brewers in games. Expect the lefty to finish the season with an ERA in between last years and his current one this season.

Carlos Villanueva, 24, is in his first full season as a starter. Like Parra, he's also off to a rough start. Villanueva has a record of 1-3 and a 5.56 ERA. He's been effective most of the time but had two starts where he has been roughed up for at least 5 runs. His career ERA at the moment is 4.14. It should be expected that he lowers his ERA. Right now Villanueva is killing left handed hitters holding them to a .203 clip but right handers are batting .386 against him. Once he lowers that average versus right handed batters he should return to performing at his career averages.

Neither Parra or Villanueva is going to perform to the level of Yovani Gallardo. However, both should be serviceable starters. They are an upgrade over what the Brewers have had in the past from number 4 and 5 starters. Expect them both to have an ERA of around 4 to 4.50.

Posted in: Polls