Kazmir Is Here

After today's masterful performance in Detroit against the Tigers, it's probably time to recognize the fact that things are starting to click for Scott Kazmir.

The proof isn't just in his six consecutive quality starts, (four of which are against contenders New York, LA, Boston, and Detroit), although he is 4-1 with a 1.16 ERA, 45 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings (10.5 per 9), and 1.09 WHIP over that stretch. No, for Kazmir, the key number is 12, his walk total in those 6 starts.

This is a guy who has battled with mechanical and control problems his entire career. In his 521 big league innings, he's already issued 243 free passes. That works out to a Daniel-Cabrera-esque 4.2 per 9 (for the record, D-Cab is averaging an unthinkable 5.3 walks per 9). Add to that Kazmir's 538 career K's, and it's no wonder he's averaging less than 6 innings pitched per start. But not long ago (say, 6 starts), he made a major adjustment, and ever since he's been keeping it stupidly simple, and keeping the ball in the good part of the zone- down and on the black.

"I just wanted to go back to what I was doing last year: Throw it up there and let it go," Kazmir said after the first of his half dozen, money starts.

It's always a remarkable thing to see a 23-year-old with a little experience and a lot of talent go out there and do his thing. Do you think the New York Mets (now just 3.5 games up on the resurgent Braves) wish they hasn't traded him for Victor Zambrano three years ago?