Milton gets 1st shot to prove his worth

[missionhockey21]

Small ERA could justify starter's big contract

By John Erardi
Enquirer staff writer

Conventional wisdom among the statistical geeks is that the Reds overpaid for Eric Milton.

They say he has an ERA, hits-per-inning and gopher-ball line that eventually will catch up with him - maybe even this year - pitching in Great American Ball Park.

They say $25.5 million for three years was too much to spend on Milton.

But Reds closer Danny Graves has his own good line for them: "When's the last time we had a 14- or 15-game winner on this team?" he asked. "Pete Harnisch?"

Actually, it was Jimmy Haynes, who won 15 in 2002. Harnisch won 16 in 1999. Pete Schourek won 18 in 1995.

But Graves' point is well taken: You take 'em where you find 'em. And the Reds found Milton during a competitive offseason for free-agent pitchers.

"The only stat that matters is the 'W,' " Graves said. "Some guys are just good enough to lose by a run. That isn't Eric Milton. The guy's a winner, and winners are what you want. Forget the home runs and the ERA. He and (Tom) Browning are the same. When their turn comes up, they're always there to take the ball."

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[DunnHasPower44]

We'll see tonight what he can do

[redsrbetter]

I am excited to see if any pitcher really dominates out the gate. They are are solid enough to do so. But the Mets are a tough lineup. Here is to Milton tonight.