The Pursuit of 300: Randy Johnson Just Might Sniff it in 2008
(AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Can Randy Johnson reach 300 career wins this year? or at all?
Before spring training had even started and before the Big Unit had thrown a warm up toss, many in the valley were betting against the big fellow…
But after his performance this week (albeit Tuesday’s win was not by any means graceful) I am starting to think that he can do it. And it isn’t really that far out of reach.
He is already off to a 4-1 start (4-0 in his last 5 starts), has already tied his win total from last year, and even with his age showing, has finally gotten the run support he always coveted in Arizona. Not to mention, that pitching in the 4th spot in the rotation has really helped more than anything.
Don’t you remember all of those purple and turquoise starts from Randy that left a bitter taste in your mouth. The Diamondbacks of old, used to burp up low scoring losses for both the Big Unit AND Curt Schilling. What was an Ace to do?
In 2003, Johnson lost 6 games in which he gave up 3 or fewer runs. In 2004, Johnson failed to tally a win in 14, yes 14, of his starts in which he gave up 3 of fewer runs. No wonder he left on such bitter terms.
Between those two seasons, the Diamondbacks offense seriously let him down. Now these things happen, but if you look back at that, there you have 20 quality starts in which the Big Unit failed to notch a victory in just two seasons.
Right now: he is just 12 shy of getting to his coveted 300. Do you blame him for being upset back in ‘03 and ‘04? I don’t.
The bottom line, is that Johnson is currently benefiting immensely from not having to be “the guy.” He is the third starter, pitching right now in the 4th spot in the rotation. And because of that, it is not hard to imagine Johnson racking up 16 (12 more) wins this season to get to 300. If he can stay healthy, not only is it a possibility, but it is something that we should seriously think about betting on.
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Posted by Matt Blake
Co-founder of AZ Sports Hub. Avid blogger, podcaster, and marketer. You can hear Matt rant on In The Zona, Arizona's Premier Sports Podcast. Recently, Matt and the gang launched a new Suns website called SunsHub.com. You can contact Matt via email at: mblake [at] azsportshub.com.
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I agree that The Unit has a very good chance of getting to 300 this year….that is assuming he can stay healthy for the entire season. And that is a big assumption. But, as you say, he certainly is benefiting from the offense behind him, as a 4.42 ERA with a 4-1 record would indicate.