If you haven't seen, AJ Burnett has decided he will pitch in 2014 and wants to test the market.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/0...r-pirates.html
Over on the big board, there are a few clamoring for the Reds to snatch this guy up if the price is right, which I find very interesting.
The reason that I find it interesting, is that this guy has a very similar profile to presumed-departing Bronson Arroyo - who no one seems to think the Reds have a shot at re-signing (nor are asking for it).
From 2011 - 2013:
Code:
W L GS IP K9 BB9 KBB HR9 ERA xFIP fWAR bWAR
Burnett 37 32 93 583.2 8.67 3.27 2.65 0.93 3.98 3.39 8.1 4.7
Arroyo 35 34 96 603.0 5.39 1.70 3.17 1.55 4.19 4.23 1.7 5.1
They are the same age (going into age 37 season), and neither is tied to draft-pick compensation.
+'s for Burnett: Much higher K-rate, Much lower HR-rate, better ERA, better xFIP, much better fWAR
+'s for Arroyo: Much lower BB-rate, Higher K/BB-rate, More IP, better bWAR
Fangraphs WAR is a function of FIP which Burnett is the clear favorite in (1.06 points lower than Arroyo over the span) and explains the huge difference in WAR. Baseball-reference WAR is more a function of runs allowed, which gives Arroyo the edge.
I would argue that because of the Reds' defense, FIP and xFIP are less relevant statistics for their pitchers.