J.J. looks back on Shingo’s 2004 season:
Everything about Shingo in 2004 was awesome. The 24-game scoreless streak. “Mr. Zero.” The gong. “Shingo Time.” His 2.31 ERA. Nineteen saves in 20 tries. And, of course, the coolest pitch I’ll ever see a pitcher throw effectively: a sweeping Frisbee breaking ball that usually was thrown in the upper 50 to low 60-mph range.
Sure, Shingo may have been lucky in 2004. He had a .213 BABIP, a 3.80 FIP (1.49 higher than his ERA), and a 4.24 xFIP. Looking back, Shingo’s fall from grace in 2005 was inevitable. But for one year, Shingo was the man. …
Oh, remembering Shingo’s 2004 season! I enjoyed that.
BTW, after returning to Japan he reached 273 saves. Add his 33 MLB saves and he has 300 saves. Shingo joined the Taiwanese baseball league in January.
