Jose Fernandez has thrown his last pitch for the Miami Marlins in 2013.
Let the discussions, begin.
Is Fernandez the National League Rookie of the Year? Did he produce the best rookie season by a pitcher in history? How good can the kid with the golden arm be?
NL Rookie of the Year looks to be a two-person race: Fernandez and fellow Cuban, Yasiel Puig. The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder will have a few more weeks to showcase himself, and nothing beats being fresh in the mind of voters. Still, Fernandez appears to be the front-runner.
As for his overall rookie season and where he rates, Fernandez certainly deserves to be in the discussion that includes such former rookie pitchers as Dwight Gooden (New York Mets), Fernando Valenzuela (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Kerry Wood (Chicago Cubs).
How good can Fernandez be? It's scary to think he walked off Tuesday night as just a 21-year-old rookie. The kid has "it," and appears destined for greatness. But, as with any talented pitcher, remaining healthy likely will be the main key to success.
For now, let's chew on some Jose Fernandez Rookie Season by the Numbers:
0 — Number of complete games.
.182 — MLB-leading opposing hitters batting average. The last rookie to lead the majors in opponents' BA was Kerry Wood in 1998.
0.98 — WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched).
1 — Only pitcher with at least one double, one triple and one home run in 2013.
2.19 — Overall ERA.
2-4, 3.25 — Record, ERA in day games.
5 — Number of hit batters.
7-1, 1.32 — Record, ERA post All-Star Game.
9-0, 1.19 — Record, ERA at Marlins Park. The home ERA leads the majors. One of three rookies since 1921 to go unbeaten at home (min. 10 starts).
10-2, 1.73 — Record, ERA in night games.
10 — Home runs allowed.
11 — Number of hits. Tied with Scott Olsen ('06) for second-most hits by a pitcher in Marlins history behind Dontrelle Willis (14, '03).
12-6 — Overall record.
15 — Consecutive home starts without a loss.
18-10 — Marlins record when Fernandez started.
21 — His age now and entering next season.
28 — Number of starts.
58 — Number of walks.
172 2/3 — Total innings pitched.
187 — Total strikeouts. The 12th-most by a rookie since 1969.
Charlie McCarthy can be reached at mac1763@bellsouth.net or on Twitter @mccarthy_chas
