Posted by Zach Sanders on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 12:42 pm

Before this moment, I had my doubts about Wandy Rodriguez. Last year seemed like a flash in the pan, and I didn’t think he would have the same success this year. However, he has, and it’s time for me to face it.

Let’s take a look at his numbers from each of the past two years:

2008: 3.62 FIP, 8.52 K/9, 2.98 K/BB, 40.4 GB%, 45.1 Swing%, 79.9 Contact%, 2.7 WAR

2009: 3.62 FIP, 8.41 K/9, 2.82 K/BB, 43.5 GB%, 45.1 Swing%, 79.7 Contact%, 2.5 WAR

While Wandy may not be as good as his 2.65 ERA may make him seem, he is still a very good pitcher. Keep in mind, his 2.5 WAR is in only 21 starts, compared to 25 last year. One reason Wandy is having such a great year, is his curveball. Last year, his curve was good for saving 0.55 runs for every 100 of them he threw. This year, it’s up to 2.04, good for 14th best in the bigs.

Wandy’s improvement may be key to the Astros’ success in the long run. They need some pitching to compliment their offense and Roy Oswalt, and Wandy could do just that. The ‘Stros’ still need another starter and some bullpen help, but the staff is on it’s way to helping Houston contend for the playoffs.

Now if only they had a farm system…