Arnett on Initial Pitcher of the Year Watch List

The College Baseball Foundation and Mizuno announced April 26, 2009 the first watch list for the inaugural presentation of the Pitcher of the Year Award and our own Eric Arnett is on the list.

This is a great honor for Eric. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone on that list can beat out San Diego State's Steven Strasburg (9-0, 1.54 ERA, 135 Ks in 70.1 IP). If the stats don't tell the whole story, he is projected to be the #1 overall draft pick and sits high 90s and can dial it up into the low 100s!

Since this award seems out of reach for all others on the list besides Strasburg, it made me think of Arnett's chances of Big Ten Pitcher of Year. Although there is plenty of season left, here's his stats vs. what I would consider the top competition thus far:

Arnett (Indiana): 9-1, 2.49 ERA, 76 Ks (76 IP), .213 b/avg
Fetter (Michigan): 6-1, 2.18 ERA, 82 Ks (74.1 IP), .236 b/avg
Wimmers (Ohio St): 7-1, 3.14 ERA, 89 Ks (71.2 IP), .211 b/avg
Hale (Ohio St): 10 saves, 1.03 ERA, 46 Ks (35 IP), .168 b/avg
Buske (Minn): 6-3, 2.34 ERA, 54 Ks (65.1 IP), .203 b/avg

Team success is most important, but individual awards can be a byproduct.