Bill Wallace vs. Tommy Ethridge

Just 2 years ago, Bill Wallace and Tommy Ethridge were two of the best
relief pitching prospects in the game. To top it off, they were both on the
Toronto Blue Jays. Both didn't know the game past two levels: AAA and MLB.
Both relied on their fastball. Both threw well into the upper ninties.
Both had health problems.

Immediately after being drafted, Ethridge made a name for himself. At
18, Ethridge went the entire season overpowering the AAA hitters with his
mid 90s fastball. He was on the fast track to the majors leagues but
hitters learned to hit him. In 2008, Ethridge posted a 4.05 ERA in relief
and gave up 36% more hits but he improved his strikeout rate greatly.
Ethridge, however, would learn to adapt and posted 2 simply amazing
years back to back in AAA to earn his call-up to the majors leagues.

Ethridge continued to fool hitters at the major league level. His K/9 was
at a very respectable 9.0 clip and with his pinpoint control, he dominated
hitters. In 2009, his short MLB stint made him a prime cantidate to setup.
Ethridge would continue to do well in 2010. He held his K/9 ratio and his
ERA rose to 3.15, still respectable. People feel that Ethridge is completely
overrated, though. He walked twice as many people that year and has
a career DICE of 4.09. Could he really be a top-flight reliever or is he
simply a lucky pitcher?

Wallace, like Ethridge, started his career with a bang at AAA. He posted a
3.05 ERA but had a much higher K/9 ratio than Ethridge. The rest of his
minor league career would be magical. In 204.2IP, he struck out 286
batters. In particular, his 2010 would be unmatchable. He struck out 137
in 89.1IP, a 13.8 K/9.


He would be traded that year to the Giants, who gave him a call-up only
to be dazzled. He had a 16.5 K/BB ratio in 2010 and a, 11.35 K/9. His
1.84 ERA and .160 opposing average were just testiments to how
powerful his 103-105mph fastball was. Wallace would continue to dazzle
setting up for Dennys Reyes and would post a 2.97 ERA with an almost
identical 11.34 K/8. There's no doubting his ability to get people out but
Wallace has never been challenged. Another thing is that nearly 30% of
the hits against Wallace leave the park.

Comparatively, Wallace has much better pitches and can overmatch
hitters better but Ethridge has much better command of the strikezone
and gives up less home runs. Both should become dominant closers
during their career. Whoever is actually better is up to you.

nice, thanks Sanji!