PITTSBURGH – What does the quality start statistic really tell you?
Look at the minimum needed for the statistic: six innings pitched and three earned runs. That’s a 4.50 ERA. What’s quality about that?
Even though the minimum wasn’t happening the majority of the time — when a pitcher is racking up quality starts, it’s more often than not a very effective start, often brilliant — to some it still seemed phony.
In the Cubs’ 14-3 win over the Pirates on Monday, Cubs starter Brett Anderson tossed six innings and gave up just one earned run.