This year, the Nationals' Stephen Strasburg is averaging 95.6 miles per hour on his fastball. Last year, he averaged 95.7. This year, Strasburg's ERA is 2.83. Last year, it was 3.16. This year, Strasburg is on pace for 226 1/3 innings. Last year, as we all know, he lasted 159 1/3.
So why is everyone so down on him now?
The only two measurements that don't live up to last year's are win-loss record, which is out of hands, and strikeout rate, which doesn't signify much in and of itself, especially when it's a still-impressive 8.6 per nine innings.
Maybe the first eight-inning outing of his career Thursday will turn the tides back in his favor. If not, I'm happy to buy low on him.