For some reason I wanted to review Pedro now that he seems done. Consider that he pitched in the absolute raging height of the steriod era, and mostly in the American league during that time. During his 9-year prime from 1997 to 2005, 9 seasons and 263 starts, he won an astounding 74% of his decisions (149-53), with a 2.48 era. 2.48 during that time! In that period, the league hit .203 against him and his total of hits + walks allowed equalled less than 1 per inning. His strike-out to walk ratio in that period was 5.2 to 1. Also note that he plunked 90 people in his prime years. Not bashful.
So, I've got work to do, but the question is was Pedro the best pitcher of all time during his prime? Lots of competition, and if you want durability, he's out of the discussion. But at his best, maybe just for 7 innings, was anyone ever better considering the numbers and the era he pitched in? Certainly the most dazzling array of high-quality stuff I've ever seen. More to follow when I have time.
S
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