In 2011, Ian Kennedy had a fantastic season, posting a 21-4 record and a 2.88 ERA in 33 starts and 222 innings. While he was not quite as dominant as Clayton Kershaw, he won more games, but ended up only fourth in the Cy Young voting, behind Kershaw, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. That isn't saying that he should not have been there, but he got very little attention nationally for his success.
↵However, he has gained the respect of his peers in the league. In a player poll conducted by SI.com, Kennedy was voted the ninth most underrated pitcher in baseball.
↵Arizona Diamondbacks fans know all to well the value Kennedy has to his club. Up until two starts ago, he was average at best statistically, and the result has been a subpar season for the team.
↵If he can continue with his recent success, he can perhaps live up to the reputation he built up a year ago. Then, just maybe, he can shed the label of underrated.
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