First career shutout seems a worthy reason to pick him even though there were several candidates
This was some stacked competition. I could have gone in a number of directions with my pick. I could have picked Willson Contreras for a third straight week. He had over a .500 OBP and two homers. I could have picked Pedro Pages, who had a 207 wRC+ in the past week. I had a few pitching options as well, with a scoreless start from Sonny Gray and with Matthew Liberatore outdueling Paul Skenes.
But in the end, a career achievement won me over. Erick Fedde had the best start of his career against the team that drafted him, against the team that he never figured it out with. He threw the first shutout by a Cardinals pitcher since 2022, when Jordan Montgomery did it against the Cubs. He had by far his best start of this season and perhaps any Cardinal.
This is hopefully a sign of things to come, because he has not pitched particularly good this season. He has struggled to strike out hitters and has had too many walks. Maybe the Nationals were a particularly good matchup for him, maybe he was amped up to face his former team, whatever the case, I sincerely hope it a sign of things to come. Because Fedde pitching like a good pitcher can help change the direction of this team, whether that’s pushing for a division title, or getting back value in a trade.
Well, usually this is the point where I share a few highlights. Except it’s one game and all of his highlights are in a single video. He struck out 8 batters and walked zero in 9 innings. He allowed six hits and zero runs. He picked up his third win of the season.
Also, clearly Fedde is not used to the postgame interview. I suppose starting pitchers aren’t usually the picks for that spot. Because he got GOT more than any player I think I’ve ever witnessed. He got hit with both Gatorade and a water. And they didn’t miss. He was unprepared and was soaked for most of his interview.
I know, usually you have to go hitter in this spot or at least a starting pitcher who makes two starts. But I think your first shutout of the season and the first shutout on the team in three years is a worthy candidate for player of the week.