Bumgarner or Gio for 2012-2014?

[nixonforpres]

Who would you rather keep for the next three years, Bumgarner or Gio Gonzalez?

[lane_anasazi2]

That's a really tough question. They are both excellent young pitchers. I would say Gio, though, for one reason: age. He's 25. If you're only talking about the next 3 years and not indefinitely, then you're getting Gio's age 26-27-28 seasons, which, on average, are a baseball player's prime years. (Although with pitchers it can be later). Bumgarner is 22 and while he's had a remarkably successful season, in my opinion there are going to be some bumps in the road in the next few years.

Granted there are guys - Kershaw, Lincecum, who come up and just dominate. Maybe Bumgarner will only get better from here. I'm basing a lot of this on the theory that Gonzalez will continue to improve his BB/9. Maybe he won't. This isn't an exact science.

The age thing is one reason, but there's a lot of stuff to look at. Bumgarner pitches in the best division in baseball to pitch in. That's gotta be worth something.

In situations like this, I like to trust my gut. What does your gut tell you?

[Urban Cohorts]

That's a really tough question. They are both excellent young pitchers. I would say Gio, though, for one reason: age. He's 25. If you're only talking about the next 3 years and not indefinitely, then you're getting Gio's age 26-27-28 seasons, which, on average, are a baseball player's prime years. (Although with pitchers it can be later). Bumgarner is 22 and while he's had a remarkably successful season, in my opinion there are going to be some bumps in the road in the next few years.

Granted there are guys - Kershaw, Lincecum, who come up and just dominate. Maybe Bumgarner will only get better from here. I'm basing a lot of this on the theory that Gonzalez will continue to improve his BB/9. Maybe he won't. This isn't an exact science.

The age thing is one reason, but there's a lot of stuff to look at. Bumgarner pitches in the best division in baseball to pitch in. That's gotta be worth something.

In situations like this, I like to trust my gut. What does your gut tell you?

I agree here. My money would be on Geo over the next 3 years. Though I think Bumgarner will end up being a better pitcher in his prime years, especially if SF rids itself of some old talent, Posey comes back healthy, and Sandoval continues to improve.

[MadDog36]

Being from NC, I have seen Mad Bum pitch in person and he's a beast, roll with him and you won't be sorry. Trust in the dog's player scouting abilities.

[pjalst]

I say go with the Bum, you'll get more wins.

[kaiser]

Yeah, I also would go with Bumgarer. Unlike Gio, he has demonstrated an ability to maintain a high level all season long. Gio may end up be just as good or even better, but if I'm placing a bet right now, my money is on Madison.