from the Death Grip category of the A.L. Closer report:
A quick look at Jenks’ line would lead one to believe that he has been much worse in 2009 than in 2008. After all, his ERA is over a full tick higher (2.63 in ‘08, 3.66 in ‘09). However, Bobby’s K/BB ratio has spiked from 2.24 to 3.38. He’s throwing harder (95 MPH in ‘09, 93.8 in ‘08), and opposing hitters aren’t making as much contact against his stuff (78.4% contact rate in ‘09, 84.5% in ‘08). Jenks’ XFIP is 3.66, which is actually lower than his ‘08 mark (3.86). The root cause of his ‘09 struggles is a ballooning HR/FB rate (15.6%). Bobby’s career HR/FB rate is 9.1, and the average for a pitcher tends to hover around 11-12%. Jenks could be a bargain on draft day next year. He’s still the same guy.
