WAR, What is It Good For?

Just like a stopped clock at exactly the right time, a Cubs’ friend of mine made a good point yesterday: If CC Sabathia, why not Rick Reuschel? Reuschel, whose nineteen-year career included twelve seasons on the North Side, amassed a 214-191 record with a 3.37 ERA. If that doesn’t impress, then how to explain a baseball-reference.com WAR of 69.5? Compare that to 62.3 for Sabathia or Andy Pettitte, with 60.2. The Athletic loves both those guys. Their playing for the Yankees is just a coincidence, I’m sure.