I don’t think you can take swings like that, not knowing they’re coming. There’s rumours and things like that, I don’t know. I can’t speak on that but they were taking very, very strong hacks on breaking stuff. It’s something I’ve never seen before. – Jason Hammel after surrendering 4 HR to Toronto last night

Dear Jason Hammel,

Before this year you were the proud owner of a 4.99 career ERA and a 1.47 WHIP.  Those numbers aren’t very good.

Before this year, you were allowing 10.1 hits, 1.1 home runs, and 3.1 walks per 9 innings, while striking out 6.2 batters per nine.

Going into yesterday’s game, your numbers looked like this: 2.78 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 7.4 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 2.8 BB/9, and 8.7 K/9.

It looks like you are having a wonderful season, pitching much better than you ever have.  Congratulations.

So I can maybe understand part of the reason why you basically accused the Blue Jays of cheating last night, re-opening the ridiculous man in white, sign stealing debate. 

It’s because you believe in your own head that you’re having a career turnaround, a renaissance if you will.  You truly believe that this is the year you have really figured it all out, that you are going to dominate opposing hitters the way you did in Little League. 

It’s a noble thought actually.  It would be nice if more kids thought like you, since self confidence always seems to be an issue with teenagers.  Maybe they can learn from you, that if Jason Hammel can believe in himself, if Jason Hammel can believe that he is one of the greatest pitchers in the American League, a man who should go untouched all season long, a man that can only be solved by cheaters, well maybe they can believe in themselves a little bit more.

Because let’s be honest here Mr. Hammel.  The belief is all you have.  You are not this good.  You are not even good at all.  Your most comparable pitcher according to Baseball Reference is Brian Bannister, he of a career 5.08 ERA and 37 – 50 record.

What last night was, was simply the beginning of the end, the coming back to Earth of a mediocre pitcher who was off to a hot start.

It had nothing to do with cheating.

You’re just not very good on the field.

And off the field…you’re an idiot.

Sincerely,

500 Level Fan