“Rummaging Through the Trash” is the first of many features freely bestowed on our readers to help them get a leg up (or arm up in this instance) on the pitching competition. Here we will list the top 5 pickups for the day, and a daily recommendation. Since not all of us had the foresight to draft Roy Halladay, Brandon Webb and Tim Lincecum; paying attention here should help you get by with a flawed or hobbled pitching rotation. Remember the classic fantasy motto: “Never trade hitting for pitching.”
Without further adieu, here are todays pickups and the risk involved:
Josh Banks – San Diego Padres: Banks, a pitcher known mainly for his control, was claimed off waivers earlier in the year from Toronto. Although he has yet to give up a run in his 17 innings in 2008, I cannot say I am sold on him yet. His 2:1 K/BB is a good start, so he should help in at least WHIP. However, his strong outings came against the Giants and the (at Petco) meaning tomorrow’s outing against the offense heavy Mets should be the true test. Value: WHIP, league average K/9
Garrett Olsen – Baltimore Orioles: Olsen came out the gate this year winning three of his first four, landing him on everyone’s fantasy radar. Although he has 4 wins and a modest ERA slightly over 4, his start against the Twins is not exactly slam dunk. He has only pitched into the 7th inning three times this year, and only once has he completed it. In addition, he gives up over a hit per inning and has been maddeningly inconsistent after a successful outing. Value: W, K
Jose Contreras – Chicago White Sox: Contreras throughout his career has been incredibly inconsistent. At times he appeared to be an elite pitcher, other times you wondered what was eating him. In 2008, however, he has almost been a poster boy for consistency, giving up less than 3 runs in all but 3 of his starts. There is a catch for his newfound effectiveness: low strikeout totals (aside from his recent 10K outing). With his next start against the anemic KC lineup I would have no problem starting him in all formats. Value: W, ERA, WHIP
Homer Bailey – Cincinnati Reds: As other analysts have said, “Reds prospects this year are can’t miss.” Once deemed to be a top three pitching prospect in baseball, Bailey’s stock has plummeted since his average showing in 2007. His numbers this year in AAA seem to have regressed since last years as well. On the other hand, if he strings together a few meaningful outings his household name may be overvalued by others in your league, making him valuable trade fodder. If you have an extra slot, he is worth a shot, but I would wait it out before starting him against the Phillies. Value: Trade bait
Scott Baker – Minnesota Twins: Before being injured, Baker appeared to be an Ace in the making. His 7.9 K/9 is an improvement on his MLB numbers, but he showed strikeout potential in the minors. His age is an asset as it is not out of the question to write off his improving numbers as legitimate. Aside from one rough outing at Texas, Baker’s numbers really have been impressive, boasting a 29/5 K:BB ratio. He won’t win much unless the Twins put together a run, but his other numbers won’t kill you. Value: K, WHIP, ERA
Please remember that the analysis written today is merely one man’s opinion and to not bet the farm. Hope this all helps, and feel free to email me with any questions at info@defineconsistent.com
