Hanging (with) Chad

We will say "congratulations" to Chad Durbin after getting his first ML win since 2004 with his best Greg Maddux (in his prime) impersonation last night. Durbin simply tossed 8 innings of 3-hit, no-run, no-walk, 9-K ball in damp, cold Chicago. It looked like he really had his breaking pitches going for him. Granted, Tiger-killer Jim Thome (1.144 career OPS vs. Detroit) and Jermaine Dye were out of the lineup for the White Sox, but so what.

This much Jim Leyland must have known about Durbin, if you let him pitch enough, he'll mix in a gem. In 2000, he compiled a 12.30 ERA while giving up 48 hits and 21 BB in 30 IP during an eight-game span. His next start was 8.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R vs. Cleveland. Unfortunately, he couldn't sustain it, giving up 9 H and 5 R in 4 IP his following outing. Durbin has 3 CG, so he's capable of giving you a good game here or there.

We're hoping for more heres.