Todd Coffey started the year in a bit of a rough patch, allowing 3 ER in his first 2.1 IP of the year - in addition to 3 walks. Things weren't looking good for the Nats bullpen - Gaudin was struggling, Coffey was struggling, and only Clip/Storen/Burnett were able to get consistent outs. Eventually both pitchers went on the disabled list; with Coffey returning on the 25th. Since then, the big man has been absolutely lights out. Let's take a look at how he has done since his return.
Since May 25th, Coffey has pitched 8.0 innings and allowed just 1 earned run, on a solo home run. He has only allowed 3 walks compared to 13 strikeouts, raising his K/9 ratio to a career best 10.95. Even more impressive is that he has just seemed to get stronger in the past few appearances.
For example:
May 5 - The Great Bloody Nose Incident
2.0 IP. 1 R. 1 ER. 1 HR. 1 H. 5 K. Coffey racked up 5 strikeouts in 7 batters.
May 8 - Filleting Fish
1.0 IP. 0 R. 0 ER. 2 H. 1 K.
May 11 - Last Night
1.2 IP. 0 R. 0 ER. 1 H. 4 K. 4 Strikeouts in 5 batters.
So if you are keeping track at home, in his last 3 outings. Todd Coffey has struck out 10 batters in 4.2 IP - averaging out to about 19 strikeouts in 9 innings.
If Coffey is able to keep these numbers up he should register Career High numbers in several pitching categories - ERA, K/9, FIP, and WHIP.
It's definitely an encouraging sign that the Nats bullpen has another guy to rely on for consistency, especially with Slaten and Rodriguez's struggles. The more we can see the (generously listed at...) 240lb Coffey sprint in from the RF bullpen, the better.
It's Coffey Time indeed.
I think that when he sprints out it must register on the seismic sensors! It's pretty cool, though, to see a pitcher do that.
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