Photo Credit: Our Esquina
Matthew "Matt" Zylbert is one of the more experienced MLB betting writers in the game. Having known "The Cat" - aka "Mr. Over Under" - for about 25 years now, I've seen and heard him take serious stands on a number of different starting pitchers. These hurlers are more commonly referred to as "Zylbert Guys".
Ultimately, the question is, how has he fared over the years? Let's jump right in and take a look (in no particular order):
PART I: THE PERCEIVED POOL OF "ZYLBERT GUYS"
Part I includes contributions from:
Matt aka "Marty" D.
Jamie G.
Frankie V.
Billy V.
Steve S.
John F. aka "The Legend"
And The Man himself... "The Cat" Mr. Matthew Zylbert
In literature we sometimes have someone called "The Unreliable Narrator". Just in case Zylbert's recollection is unreliable, Section I includes the contributions of 6 other people to level the playing field.
1. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 3.11
All-Star Appearances: 2
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A+
The Verdict? Quite possibly the greatest Zylbert "call" of all time. Alcantara may very well be the best pitcher in the world right now.
2. Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.81
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D
The Verdict? Not a good one. Harrell's lifetime WHIP concluded at an ugly 1.58. In 2014 he posted a beautiful 9.49 ERA.
3. Miles Mikolas, St. Louis Cardinals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.66
All-Star Appearances: 2
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? Zyllie called this one when Mikolas was "on the down." He saw his rebound coming in the future. Zylbert actually interviewed Mikolas during his dark days.
4. Yorman Bazardo, Detroit Tigers & Houston Astros
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2007
Lifetime ERA: 6.86
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Clown only lasted 4 total seasons in the bigs.
5. Andrew Heaney, Los Angeles Angels & Dodgers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.63
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Lefty with good stuff; finally seems to be putting it together this season, when healthy of course.
6. Ryan Rupe, Tampa Bay [Devil] Rays
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2000
Lifetime ERA: 5.85
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Guy is just plain terrible.
7. Jakob Junis, Kansas City Royals & San Francisco Giants
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 4.64
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Very similar stats and trajectory in comparison to the aforementioned Andrew Heaney.
8. Blake Beavan, Seattle Mariners
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.61
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D
The Verdict? Only lasted 4 seasons in the bigs.
9. Max Fried, Atlanta Braves
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 3.21
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? One of the best lefties in the game, but he was also a first round pick and No. 7 overall selection in his draft class. Not a difficult arm to spot.
10. Ryan Rowland-Smith, Seattle Mariners
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2008
Lifetime ERA: 4.57
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D+
The Verdict? Maybe could have stuck around longer as a reliever, given his numbers.
11. Zac Gallen, Miami Marlins & Arizona Diamondbacks
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 3.42
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? A very solid, smart right-handed starter.
12. Kris Bubic, Kansas City Royals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2020
Lifetime ERA: 4.71
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D
The Verdict? Don't like his stuff. Don't like his numbers. Still too early to write him off completely.
13. Kyle Gibson, Philadelphia Phillies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.47
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? 10 years in the bigs. Decent enough, overall.
14. Jordan Lyles, Baltimore Orioles
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 5.17
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Numbers aren't good, but 12 seasons in the bigs.
15. Reynaldo Lopez, Chicago White Sox
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 4.51
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Not great as a starter, seems to be far more effective as a reliever.
16. Taylor Widener, Arizona Diamondbacks
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2020
Lifetime ERA: 4.64
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C-
The Verdict? Too early to really tell, I suppose.
17. Joey Lucchesi, Padres & Mets
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 4.24
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Needs to get healthy so we can see what he has, at this point.
18. Vince Velasquez, White Sox & Phillies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 4.97
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Good stuff, terrible results on the whole.
19. Tyler Beede, Pirates & Giants
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 4.97
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D
The Verdict? I'm noticing a lot of these "Zylbert Guys" have ERAs hovering around 5.00.
20. Yu Darvish, Padres & Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2012
Lifetime ERA: 3.54
All-Star Appearances: 5
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? One of the better pitchers of his era, all aspects considered. "A" instead of "A+" because he was easy to call, given the hype surrounding his introduction to the MLB.
21. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2021
Lifetime ERA: 4.31
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Looks like one of the better strikeout pitchers in the game right now.
22. Matthew Boyd, Tigers & Giants
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2016
Lifetime ERA: 4.96
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Most of his success came in 2019. Lot of average or subpar seasons; now injured as well.
23. Joe Palumbo, Texas Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 9.47
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Is a 9.47 career ERA good?
24. Matt Manning, Detroit Tigers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2021
Lifetime ERA: 5.50
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Too early to tell, honestly.
25. Madison Bumgarner, Giants & Diamondbacks
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 3.33
All-Star Appearances: 4
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? Couldn't actually verify if Mad-Bum is a "true" Zylbert Guy. "A" seems fair enough, in context.
26. Trevor Bauer, Dodgers & Indians
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.79
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Only 1 All-Star game in 10 seasons and he's pretty much the worst person in the world.
27. Mat Latos, Padres & Reds
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 3.64
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Had a pretty solid career, all aspects considered.
28. Tommy Milone, Athletics & Mariners
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2012
Lifetime ERA: 4.57
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? An average lefty with 12 seasons of big league experience.
29. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2017
Lifetime ERA: 4.30
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Has looked like one of the best pitchers in baseball (2019 & 2020) and one of the worst (2018 & 2022).
30. James Shields, Rays & Royals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2007
Lifetime ERA: 4.01
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Only 1 All-Star appearance in 13 seasons, but he was a "Big-Game" guy ultimately.
31. Todd Van Poppel, Athletics & Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 1995
Lifetime ERA: 5.58
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D-
The Verdict? One of the biggest pitching busts in MLB history.
32. Jesus Luzardo, Athletics & Marlins
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2020
Lifetime ERA: 5.16
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Numbers aren't there yet on the whole, but I think Luzardo has the potential to be a B+/A- kinda lefty.
33. Aaron Sanchez, Blue Jays & Giants
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.14
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Had an extremely hot start to his career, then slowly-but-surely fell right off a cliff.
34. Mike Fiers, Athletics & Astros
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.07
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Stuff was never great, but he was a solid pitcher for 11 MLB seasons.
35. Sal Romano, Reds & Brewers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2017
Lifetime ERA: 5.23
All-Star Appearances: Zero. Geez... so many "Zylbert Guys" have zero All-Star appearances.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D-
The Verdict? Guy is a nobody, essentially just terrible.
36. Tanner Roark, Nationals & Blue Jays
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.85
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Solid righty bulldog for 9 seasons.
37. Aaron Harang, Reds & Athletics
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2005
Lifetime ERA: 4.26
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Pretty respectable career over 14 big league seasons.
38. Kyle Lohse, Twins & Cardinals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2002
Lifetime ERA: 4.40
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Pretty steady guy with subpar pure stuff.
39. Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays & Cubs
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.67
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? A solid pitcher for his career who also fields his position extremely well.
40. Michael Pineda, Mariners & Twins
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.03
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Has had bouts with wildness, but a pretty good career overall.
41. Jason Vargas, Mariners & Royals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 4.29
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? A lefty with absolutely no stuff, but he got the job done fairly often.
42. Edinson Volquez, Reds & Royals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2008
Lifetime ERA: 4.45
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Had great stuff, but totally lost the plate for long stretches of time.
43. Danny Salazar, Cleveland Indians
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.82
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Had great stuff, just couldn't stay healthy. Only 6 seasons in total.
44. Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2020
Lifetime ERA: 5.49
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D+
The Verdict? Throws gas, but can't get anyone out.
45. Anthony DeSclafani, Reds & Giants
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.12
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Pretty good when healthy, but it looks like he's physically done, now.
46. Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2012
Lifetime ERA: 4.57
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? One All-Star game and decent numbers considering the Camden banbox.
47. Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 4.16
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? This guy flamed out like a mothafucka. What happened to him? Only 5 seasons.
48. Bud Norris, Astros & Orioles
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.45
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Was never great, but wasn't terrible.
49. Roenis Elias, Seattle Mariners
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.96
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Lifetime ERA under 4.00; not bad.
50. Mike Minor, Braves & Reds
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2012
Lifetime ERA: 4.20
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? In his prime he had really good stuff. Has never really been able to stay consistently healthy.
51. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 4.70
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? The "C" in Colby is for his "C" grade from Frascella.
52. Brooks Pounders, Royals & Rockies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 8.47
All-Star Appearances: Is this a serious question?
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? 8.47... well... you know.
53. Ivan Nova, Yankees & Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.38
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Pretty decent right-hander, nothing special.
54. Jose Berrios, Blue Jays & Twins
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 4.17
All-Star Appearances: 2
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Was really quite good until he got his big contract.
55. Jameson Taillon, Yankees & Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2016
Lifetime ERA: 3.84
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Decent righty on the whole, but hasn't lived up to second overall pick in the draft pedigree.
56. David Hale, Braves & Rockies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 4.44
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Personally, I always thought his stuff was a lot weaker than Zyllie thought.
57. Chad Kuhl, Pirates & Rockies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2016
Lifetime ERA: 4.45
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Has pitched quite well, considering the Coors Field constrictions.
58. Jordan Yamamoto, Marlins & Mets
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 6.05
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D-
The Verdict? Pretty awful lefty who might be out of baseball, already.
59. Zack Godley, Arizona Diamondbacks
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2017
Lifetime ERA: 4.92
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C-
The Verdict? When I saw him live in Arizona a handful of years ago, I knew his arm was done and his career was basically over.
60. Austin Pruitt, Oakland Athletics
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2021
Lifetime ERA: 4.74
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Perhaps too early to really tell, anyway.
61. Matt Andriese, Rays & Diamondbacks
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2016
Lifetime ERA: 4.63
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Dime-a-dozen nobody.
62. Jacob Faria, Tampa Bay Rays
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2017
Lifetime ERA: 4.70
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D+
The Verdict? No majors in 2020 or 2022.
63. Silvino Bracho, Diamondbacks
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.76
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D+
The Verdict? Essentially the same trajectory as Faria.
64. Anthony Banda, Rays & Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2021
Lifetime ERA: 5.48
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D-
The Verdict? Probably not even a good "quad-A" pitcher in theory.
65. Derek Holland, Rangers & Giants
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.62
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Ugly ERA, but 13 seasons in the bigs.
66. Daniel Mengden, Athletics & Royals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 4.60
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Certainly nothing special to write home about, here.
67. Spencer Turnbull, Detroit Tigers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 4.25
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Pitched pretty well in limited innings in 2020 and '21.
68. James Paxton, Mariners & Yankees
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.59
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Solid lefty, just needs to get healthy, currently.
69. Kolby Allard, Texas Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 6.14
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Guy is terrible and somehow seems to be getting worse.
70. Jacob Waguespack, Toronto Blue Jays
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2019
Lifetime ERA: 5.08
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D-
The Verdict? Seems to have pitched his way out of baseball in 2020.
71. Jimmy Nelson, Brewers & Dodgers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.12
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Finished in the top 10 in Cy Young voting, at one point.
72. Zack Wheeler, Phillies & Mets
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.44
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? Certainly one of the best pitchers in the game right now.
73. Taijuan Walker, Mets & Mariners
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.82
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Solid bulldog, seems to be getting better with age.
74. Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 3.02
All-Star Appearances: 2
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? Was pretty flawless from 2018 through 2021.
75. Adbert Alzolay, Chicago Cubs
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2020
Lifetime ERA: 4.58
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C
The Verdict? Too early to tell, honestly. I think Zylbert said he owns this guy's jersey, though.
76. John Van Benschoten, Pittsburgh Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2007
Lifetime ERA: 9.20
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Quite possibly the worst "Zylbert Guy" of all time.
77. Tyler Skaggs, Los Angeles Angels
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 4.41
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Tragic story. May this young man rest in peace.
78. Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2017
Lifetime ERA: 3.64
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A
The Verdict? One of the better and more consistent right-handed starters in the game.
79. Paul Maholm, Pirates & Cubs
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2008
Lifetime ERA: 4.30
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? A decent lefty over 10 seasons.
80. Tyler Matzek, Rockies & Braves
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.53
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Good ERA, but he was converted to a reliever.
81. James McDonald, Dodgers & Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 4.20
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Decent ERA, not sure what happened to the guy, ultimately.
82. Taylor Jungmann, Milwaukee Brewers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.54
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D-
The Verdict? Was out of baseball in just 3 seasons. ERA kept going up dramatically.
83. Yohander Mendez, Texas Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2017
Lifetime ERA: 6.23
All-Star Appearances: Zero
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Terrible pitcher, out of baseball quickly.
84. Jake Arrieta, Phillies & Cubs
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2013
Lifetime ERA: 3.98
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A-
The Verdict? Was one of the best starters in the game, at one point.
85. Frankie Montas, Oakland Athletics
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 3.73
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": A-
The Verdict? One of the better power pitchers in the AL right now.
86. Sean Manaea, Padres & Athletics
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2016
Lifetime ERA: 3.92
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Good, solid left-hander.
87. Chris Rusin, Cubs & Rockies
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2013
Lifetime ERA: 4.65
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D+
The Verdict? Nothing to see, here.
88. Henderson Alvarez, Blue Jays & Marlins
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 3.82
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B
The Verdict? Pitched pretty well, but I think his arm ultimately fell off.
89. Dallas Beeler, Chicago Cubs
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 6.05
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Out of baseball in just 2 years.
90. Joe Musgrove, Padres & Astros
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2018
Lifetime ERA: 3.83
All-Star Appearances: 1
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? Seems to improve on a yearly basis. Continues to refine his craft.
91. Tsuyoshi Wada, Chicago Cubs
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 3.36
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B+
The Verdict? A lefty with a 3.36 lifetime ERA only lasted 2 years in the bigs? I'm assuming he went back overseas for big money.
92. Aaron Myette, White Sox & Rangers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2001
Lifetime ERA: 8.16
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? One of the worst Zylbert Guys of all time.
93. Tyler Cravy, Milwaukee Brewers
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2015
Lifetime ERA: 4.56
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": D+
The Verdict? Not sure what happened to this guy. He couldn't have been converted into a reliever?
94. Jesse Hahn, Athletics & Royals
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2014
Lifetime ERA: 4.22
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": C+
The Verdict? Not a terrible right-handed sinkerballer.
95. Vance Worley, Phillies & Pirates
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2011
Lifetime ERA: 4.09
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": B-
The Verdict? Never liked this guy's stuff at all, but he pitched pretty well in the end.
96. Mitch Talbot, Rays & Indians
Estimated Year of Zylbert "Call": 2010
Lifetime ERA: 5.30
All-Star Appearances: Zero.
Frascella's Grade of "Call": F
The Verdict? Only 3 big league seasons, sadly.
PART II: REPORT CARDS & GRADES FOR THE PERCEIVED ZYLBERT GUYS
Rubric or Key:
A+ = 100
A = 95
A- = 92
B+ = 88
B = 85
B- = 82
C+ = 78
C = 75
C- = 72
D+ = 69
D = 67
D- = 65
F = 64
1. Alcantara: A+ (100)
2. Harrell: D (67)
3. Mikolas: A (95)
4. Bazardo: F (64)
5. Heaney: C+ (78)
6. Rupe: F (64)
7. Junis: C+ (78)
8. Beavan: D (67)
9. Fried: A (95)
10. Rowland-Smith: D+ (69) (777 total for first 10)
11. Gallen: A (95)
12. Bubic: D (67)
13. Gibson: B- (82)
14. Lyles: C (75)
15. Lopez: C (75)
16. Widener: C- (72)
17. Lucchesi: C+ (78)
18. Velasquez: C (75)
19. Beede: D (67)
20. Darvish: A (95) (1558 total for first 20)
21. Skubal: B+ (88)
22. Boyd: C (75)
23. Palumbo: F (64)
24. Manning: C+ (78)
25. Bumgarner: A (95)
26. Bauer: B+ (88)
27. Latos: B+ (88)
28. Milone: C+ (78)
29. Giolito: B+ (88)
30. Shields: B+ (88) (2338 total for first 30)
31. Van Poppel: D- (65)
32. Luzardo: B- (82)
33. Sanchez: B (85)
34. Fiers: B (85)
35. Romano: D- (65)
36. Roark: B (85)
37. Harang: B (85)
38. Lohse: B- (82)
39. Stroman: B+ (88)
40. Pineda: B (85) (3195 total for first 40)
41. Vargas: B- (82)
42. Volquez: B- (82)
43. Salazar: B (85)
44. Keller: D+ (69)
45. DeSclafani: B- (82)
46. Tillman: B- (82)
47. Romero: B- (82)
48. Norris: C+ (78)
49. Elias: B- (82)
50. Minor: B (85) (4086 total for first 50)
51. Lewis: C (75)
52. Pounders: F (64)
53. Nova: B- (82)
54. Berrios: B+ (88)
55. Taillon: B (85)
56. Hale: C+ (78)
57. Kuhl: B- (82)
58. Yamamoto: D- (65)
59. Godley: C- (72)
60. Pruitt: C (75) (4852 total for first 60)
61. Andriese: C (75)
62. Faria: D+ (69)
63. Bracho: D+ (69)
64. Banda: D- (65)
65. Holland: C+ (78)
66. Mengden: C (75)
67. Turnbull: B- (82)
68. Paxton: B+ (88)
69. Allard: F (64)
70. Waguespack: D- (65) (5582 total for first 70)
71. Nelson: B- (82)
72. Wheeler: A (95)
73. Walker: B+ (88)
74. Buehler: A (95)
75. Alzolay: C (75)
76. Van Benschoten: F (64)
77. Skaggs: C+ (78)
78. Nola: A (95)
79. Maholm: B- (82)
80. Matzek: B (85) (6421 total for first 80)
81. McDonald: C+ (78)
82. Jungmann: D- (65)
83. Mendez: F (64)
84. Arrieta: A- (92)
85. Montas: A- (92)
86. Manaea: B+ (88)
87. Rusin: D+ (69)
88. Alvarez: B (85)
89. Beeler: F (64)
90. Musgrove: B+ (88) (7206 total for first 90)
91. Wada: B+ (88)
92. Myette: F (64)
93. Cravy: D+ (69)
94. Hahn: C+ (78)
95. Worley: B- (82)
96. Talbot: F (64) (7651 total for all 96 pitchers)
Total score (96 scores added up): 7,651
Divided by: 96
7,651 / 96 = 79.7
VERDICT: The average "Perceived Zylbert Guy" is a C+/B- starting pitcher in the Major Leagues.
PART III: ZYLBERT REMOVES THE "NON" ZYLBERT GUYS
Per correspondence with the source himself, the following pitchers have been removed from the "official" list:
Madison Bumgarner (95)
Ryan Rowland-Smith (69)
Chad Kuhl (82)
Joe Palumbo (64)
Jesus Luzardo (82)
Brooks Pounders (64)
Edinson Volquez (82)
Tyler Cravy (69)
95 + 69 + 82 + 64 + 82 + 64 + 82 + 69 = 607, means we have to remove 607 from the total of Section 1
7,651 - 607 = 7,044 divided by 88 = 80
VERDICT: The average "Real Zylbert Guy" is a C+/B- starting pitcher in the Major Leagues.
PART IV: THE TOP 10 ZYLBERT FLOPS OF ALL TIME
(In no particular order)
Mitch Talbot
Aaron Myette
Dallas Beeler
Yohander Mendez
Kolby Allard
Yorman Bazardo
Taylor Jungmann
Jacob Waguespack
John Van Benschoten
Sal Romano
PART V: THE TOP 10 "REAL" ZYLBERT GUYS OF ALL TIME
(In no particular order)
Sandy Alcantara
Miles Mikolas
Max Fried
Zac Gallen
Yu Darvish
Zack Wheeler
Walker Buehler
Aaron Nola
Jake Arrieta
Frankie Montas
PART VI, THE CONCLUSION: THE ULTIMATE ZYLBERT GUYS
(In no particular order)
When you think "True Zylbert Guy," these are the names that should pop into your mind:
James Paxton
Kolby Allard
Jacob Waguespack
David Hale
Paul Maholm
James McDonald
Kyle Gibson
Jimmy Nelson
Yorman Bazardo
Lucas Harrell
I hope you enjoyed this foray into pure baseball madness!
John Frascella is a published sports author and Senior Writer at Aaron Torres Online. Follow him on Twitter @LegendSports7 and @MetsDepression for all things sports.
