I pick one Ray to be my favorite player. Last year it was Dukes. My choices are not always fortuitous. But this year it was Sonnanstine.

I like him for a number of reasons, most of them already mentioned. But first, I think the statement he does not have great stuff is hyperbole. If by stuff we mean only mid 90s heat, then it is true, but don’t balls that move in the strike zone and breaking balls that are sharp and difficult to time or hit also great stuff?

And second, I like him because he has options. Unlike pure power pitchers who are often lost if the fastball is off that day, Sonnanstine can adjust mid-game, using other pitches to compensate for the lack of one that day.

Mark Buehrle has had a fine career and has even been described as Chicago’s ace. I don’t think he threw one pitch over 89 the other day, (Andy’s fastball is usually 87-89 or so) but like Andy he also throws lots of different pitches & spots them well. The fact that he is a lefty may enhance his value somewhat and make the mediocre fastball less a problem, but I do not see why Sonnanstine cannot be successful with his stuff, smarts, competitiveness and control.

I really do not think Andy is a star, nor do I see him as a top of the rotation pitcher. He will have terrible games (20% in my estimation), and there will probably be years when he loses more than he wins because of poor run support or other factors. His ERA will probably usually be near league average, not outstanding. But teams need those kinds of pitchers on the staff. I am thrilled with his success this year.

The loser of the World Series gets a ring every year for winning their league.