This is why we shouldn't be so quick to give up on Felix

[PolarVortex]

Through 89 games, the Mariners starting pitchers have recorded only 34 quality starts (38.2%) and only 13 ultra quality starts (14.7%). Here are the individual stats and percentages of the pitchers. The bolded percentages denote percentages above the team average

Miranda 18 starts, 7 QS (38.8%), 6UQS (33%), outs per start 17.3
Paxton 14 starts, 7 QS (50.0%), 4 UQSD (28.6%), outs per start 17.4
Gallardo 14 starts, 4 QS (28.6%), 0 UQS (0%), outs per start 16.2
Gaviglio 10 starts, 4 QS (40%), 0 UQS (0%), outs per start 16.3
Hernandez 8 starts, 4 QS (50%), 1 UQS (12.5%), outs per start 16.8
Bergman 8 starts, 3 QS (37.5%), 2 UQS (25%), outs per start 16.0
Iwakuma 6 starts, 2 QS (33%), 0 UQS (0%), outs per start 15.5
DeJong 4 starts, 1 QS (25%), 0 UQS (0%), outs per start 14.8
Moore 3 starts, 3 QS (100%), 0 UQS (0%), outs per start 21.0
Whalen 1/0/0
Overton 1/0/0
Heston 1/0/0

Yes, Felix is a shell of his former self. But the numbers show that he is the fourth best option right now. So, unless we go to a 3-man rotation, we need him.

 

[WizardHawk]

I don't think anyone is questioning if he can be a rotation starter, I think the questions are is he worth the price you are paying out of the payroll for what you are getting and would the team be better off trading him and getting a #4 starter that is being paid #4 starter salary so you can spend elsewhere.

 

[NWinAZ]

I don't think anyone is questioning if he can be a rotation starter, I think the questions are is he worth the price you are paying out of the payroll for what you are getting and would the team be better off trading him and getting a #4 starter that is being paid #4 starter salary so you can spend elsewhere.

My point from the start...though trading him is impossible so we have to live with it.

 

[AceKeptic]

Oh, sure, WE may need Felix...

But how do the batters feel about him at this point? The way he still gets games where he gets no support whatsoever, I'd swear there was some hidden animosity between players in the locker room.

 

[Destroydacre]

I don't think anyone is questioning if he can be a rotation starter, I think the questions are is he worth the price you are paying out of the payroll for what you are getting and would the team be better off trading him and getting a #4 starter that is being paid #4 starter salary so you can spend elsewhere.

Exactly, he's still a decent starter and still going to give you a chance to win on most nights. But he's not worth the money that he's making.

 

[Anointed One]

Exactly, he's still a decent starter and still going to give you a chance to win on most nights. But he's not worth the money that he's making.

that's the problem... Pitching wins in the postseason... It will take more than "decent" starters for us to have a shot... Paxton is very good but he has no postseason experience...

 

[wazzu31]

With Felix it is hard, he should be the most beloved athlete in Seattle sports history (maybe Edgar) he has turned down the largest contract in baseball history twice now to stay. To me, its not even the contract, its more it just hurts watching this team that has Felix on the staff and the Mariners desperately need a number 2 starter to make Felix a number 3.

How confident is anyone in Felix making 3 starts in the wild card round which he would be at the moment if they start Paxton in the one game playoff.

 

[AceKeptic]

Three injuries so far this season. This one puts him out of action for three or four weeks.

Hate to say it, but that's the sign that he might have to wrap things up soon.