Pedro Martinez – Hall of Fame Numbers?

Does Pedro Martinez have Hall of Fame numbers? Many fans would argue this question in different ways. That is, they would use different numbers and different metrics to make their case, either pro or con.

But this is one of those times when it is sometimes helpful to have a single metric that helps you decide whether someone has Hall of Fame numbers. Something like having the exact tool needed to do a job.

Look at the following five pitchers. The first number is innings pitched during their careers, the second is career win shares, the third is the win shares for their ten best seasons and the fourth is their CAWS Career Score. Note that each has fewer than 2400 innings pitched but a CAWS score of 180 or better.

Of course, all five are in the Hall of Fame. But the main point is: these are the ONLY PITCHERSduring the 20th century that I have found to have accomplished this during their entire career – a CAWS score of 180 with fewer than 2400 innings pitched.

So, the CAWS Career Gauge suggests that any pitcher who could do this has HOF numbers.

OK, so what about Pedro Martinez? If you examine Pedro’s career through 2004, you will find the following.

Meaning that Pedro’s career through his first thirteen seasons puts him at the top of this short list of great pitchers.

This means that Pedro Martinez already had Hall of Fame numbers after just thirteen seasons. Or, as we used to say in 10th year geometry – QED.

So, Pedro for the Hall of Fame really does represent a “good CAWS.”

For more info on the CAWS HOF Gauge, see BASEBALL’S BEST: The TRUE Hall of Famers on this site.