Saturday Spotlight: Carlos Carrasco

Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco was born in  Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela. He was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 2003. He was traded to the Indians in 2009 in a trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Phillies. He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2009 against Detroit. He pitched three innings, gave up nine hits, six earned runs, struck out three, and walked three. Last seasons is undoubtedly Carrasco's breakout season. He pitched 30 games with 14-12 record with three complete games and one shutout. He had a 3.63 ERA, gave up 154 hits, 18 home runs, 43 walks, and struck out 216. He pitched 183.2 innings, he averaged 10.9 strikeouts per 9 innings, and had a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning) of 1.073. He earned a Cy Young Award consideration an placed 13th on the ballot. Carrasco is signed through 2018 on a 4 year $22 million contract and can be a free agent in 2019.