C.J. Wilson: Fluke or the Real Deal?

C. J. Wilson had 6 career starts before this season.  During that season, also serving primarily as a relief pitcher, he had a 6.94 ERA in 24 games.  In 2006 he had a 4.04 ERA, then had a 3.03 in 2007.  This was followed by a 6.02 in 2008. But last year, he had a 2.81 ERA in 74 games, a large amount of games, all in relief. 

Then this spring something was different.

He came into spring training with a goal.  That goal was to make the rotation.  An open competition ensued and C.J. dominated during the spring.  This lead to him winning the 5th spot in the Rangers’ much improved rotation. 

And Wilson has left no room for doubt for Ron Washington. 

Before tonight, WIlson came in with 19.2 IP with 16 hits, only 3 earned runs (5 allowed), 7 BB, and 16 K’s, doing this all with a 1.37 ERA.

Tonight, against the Chicago White Sox, he pitched 6 innings with 5 hits 2 earned runs 3 BB, and 5 K’s.  He is now up to 21 K’s in 25.2 IP.  He managed to prove that he can pitch out of jams too, getting out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the 6th, striking out rookie catcher Donny Lucy.  Overall, an impressive display for a 5th starter.  His ERA will elevate to roughly 1.50, but he records his second win and is now 2-1 on the season in 4 starts.

So the question I am proposing is, does C.J. Wilson have Cy Young stuff?  He will have the run support this year in a “on-paper” offensively strong team.  Zack Greinke did it on a team that had much less of a threat to stay in the game, and received a CY Young after a 16 win season with a 2.16 ERA.

Wilson has started off much like Greinke did, and after 4 starts, seems like there’s no slowing him down.