The Al Leiter Battle for ERA Qualification (9/26-10/2)

in which we track the 39 year-old YANKEE lefty in his quest for 162 Innings Pitched.

For the final time, we check in on Al and his progress towards 162 innings pitched. Yes, we all know that he wasn't able to make it to that hallowed mark. But let's check the final totals:

Yankee Games: 162
Al's Innings Pitched: 142.1
Qualifies: No, -19.2 innings off the pace.

There you have it folks. Al ends the 2005 regular season 19.2 innings short of ERA qualification. Previous to this year, Al had tossed 162 innings or more in 11 of the past 12 season. His 142.1 innings pitched were the fewest he's thrown since the strike-shortened 1994 season. Meanwhile, Al's ERA of 6.13 is a career-worst (discounting 1987, 1991, and 1992- seasons in which he tossed a combined 27.1 innings).

None of this bodes well for Al's future as a major leaguer. Perhaps he has reached the end of the line, and will not return in 2006.

Well, okay. But we're not gonna worry about that. Let's stop all this doom and gloom. Let's switch up the tone to one of pure joy: AL LEITER IS ON THE YANKEES' POSTSEASON ROSTER!!!

That was by no means a guarantee, but apparently Yankee manager Joe Torre is a fan of Al, and the fact that he has ample big-game pitching experience (having appeared in the postseason with the Blue Jays in 1993, the Marlins in 1997, and the Mets in 1999 and 2000.

However, it looks like the ghost of John Franco will be be living within Al during the playoffs, for Al will be a left-handed relief specialist! We here at GPC are delighted to see Franco's legacy kept alive by his former teammate Al. We are whole again.

So, yeah, 2005 was not the best of seasons for Al. So what? The playoffs are what matters now. Root for Al in the postseason, and stay tuned to GPC for updates on every one of Al's appearances as he marches toward his 40th birthday on October 23.

October 23 will be Game 2 of the World Series. Think Al can make it that long? That he'll celebrate the big fore-oh in pinstripes? Stay tuned!