The Curious Case of Brandon Webb

No this is not about a pitcher that gets better with age. This is simply about how a fan favorite and team ace can, in just a couple of years, become forgotten and seemingly disappear. Brandon Webb’s career started with a bang, debuting in New York in 2003 and outdueling Tom Glavine with seven scoreless innings and ten strikeouts. He finished his rookie season 10-9 with an ERA of 2.84. He was spectacular. His sophomore season was a struggle. He battled control all season, leading the league in losses (16), walks (119), and wild pitches (17). In his defense, there was no defense behind him (Alex Cintron and Scott Hairston were his middle infielders) and the team was terrible. Even still, his ERA was a solid 3.59. After a much improved 2005 campaign, he earned himself a $28 million contract. With his new contract, Webb became a star in 2006, winning the National League Cy Young award. 16 wins, three shutouts, and only 50 walks. His sinker was considered the best in baseball. The 2007 ...