Carlos Marmol’s 17.04 K/9 through the first three months of the season is absolutely ridiculous.  True, the 5.98 BB/9 ratio is worrisome, but it sure is a improvement over his 7.71 mark in 2009.  Think about this for a second, his 77 K mark is the same as Jamie Garcia and C.J. Wilson, but they have pitched in a combined 202.2 innings – Marmol has only pitched in 40.2 innings.

Most of the peripheral numbers look similar, but there is a difference occurring with pitch selection.  He’s throwing less fastballs (39.3 % vs. 44.3% & in ‘09) and curveballs (4 % vs. 10.7% & in ‘09) while using his slider more than half the time (54.8% vs. 43.3% & in ‘09).  Perhaps the change in strategy is helping his control without sacrificing velocity (his fastball has been averaging 95 mph, a career best).

His story has never changed.  If Marmol can display even the slightest hint of strike zone command, his velocity is enough to entrench him among the league’s most dominant closers.