Oklahoma OK!

The Astros minor league affiliate getting off to the best start, by far, is the Oklahoma City Redhawks. After winning the last four games in a row and sweeping Nashville, they find themselves in sole possession of first place (at least for today).

What is the key to this strong start? One needn’t look much farther than the current Pacific Coast League pitching stats leader page on MiLB.com. Here is how the Oklahoma City starting pitchers are doing through 16 games:

Dallas Keuchel - Drafted in the seventh round in 2009

Tied for first in wins with three wins in three starts
WHIP of 0.70 is second in league
ERA of 0.90 is third in league
Sixth in innings pitched

Jordan Lyles – Drafted in the first round in 2008

Tied for first in wins with three wins in three starts
Tied for sixth in strikeouts with 18 in 18.2 innings pitched
WHIP of 1.07 is 15th in league

*Paul Clemens – Obtained from Atlanta in the Michael Bourn trade in 2011

ERA of 1.59 is eighth in the league
WHIP of 1.06 is 13th in the league

*Currently on the seven-day DL with back spasms

Henry Sosa – Obtained from San Francisco in the Jeff Keppinger trade in 2011

ERA of 1.69 is tenth in the league
Tied for 18th in strikeouts with 15 in 16 innings pitched

Aneury Rodriguez – Rule 5 pick in 2010

Second in the league in strikeouts with 21 over 14.2 innings pitched

And it’s not just the starting staff that is doing well. The team ERA of 2.65 and team WHIP of 1.19 rank second in the PCL. Their 125 strikeouts tie for third and they have the fewest walks allowed in the league with only 36 walks allowed in 139 innings.

You’re doin’ fine Oklahoma. Oklahoma OK!

For more on the Astros minor league system, visit What the Heck, Bobby or follow me on twitter @whattheheck57.