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MLB Players of the Week: Ozuna’s has a power surge and Shields saves the Royals’ week

By JJ Keller

Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws a pitch during the first inning Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pirates defeated the Phillies, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws a pitch during the first inning Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pirates defeated the Phillies, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Pitcher: Francisco Lirano, LHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

The NL side ended up being a pretty easy decision in favor of Pirates’ lefty Francisco Liriano. Like Shields, he led the league in ERA, throwing two shutout starts, on top of being equally as dominant when it comes to FIP.

Seven NL pitchers threw shutouts, but Liriano is the only one to throw two of them this week. The first was a 6 inning start, giving 3 hits and 2 walks on 9 punch-outs. The next was 8 innings of 4 hit, 2 walk, 12 strikeout ball. Those total to 14 innings, 7 hits, 4 walks and 21 strikeouts. You may begin to notice a pattern here, If you throw two shutouts in the week, you have a good chance at getting my attention.

Obviously, the ERA was a league best, but he also came in near the top in FIP at 0.98, 4th in the league. But similar to what happened in the AL, the three that rank ahead of him only made one start on the week, and I value longer-term success, even in a such a short term award. He arrived at the 0.98 FIP thanks to his league leading 13.50 K/9, a solid 2.57 BB/9, and 0.00 HR/9.

The Pirates played great as a team over the week, going 6-1, including winning both of Liriano’s outings as well. That doesn’t take away from what Liriano did in my opinion, though some may feel differently.

As always, feel free to let me know where you disagree, or what I missed out on.

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