Dan Marino has already told you what to expect from these third and fourth year hitters, now he tells you what to expect from these third and fourth year pitchers. Enjoy!
Dillon Gee – If you want a sleeper pick, you may want to look in Gee’s direction. Last year, he took a monumental step in improving his control. His WHIP and BB/9 fell dramatically. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he is having an awful Spring. A player returning from a health issue wants to show he is healthy. Gee has yet to show that. He doesn’t get much PR, but he can pitch. He’s slated for the number 4/5 rotation spot. He’s worth the gamble, but he could struggle early in the season.
Travis Wood – Wood was done in by giving up homeruns at an alarming rate…thus, a 6-13 record. The fact is, the rest of his numbers are pretty decent. Pitching for the Cubs, and at Wrigley hasn’t helped his cause. Wood is a decent pitcher, and with run support he can be a winning pitcher. The key will be keeping the ball in the park. If he does that, he’ll finish over .500…even for the Cubs.
Mike Fiers – He had a quiet season, and went relatively unknown. Fiers is a great sleeper option. He struck out more than 9 per nine innings. He has decent control and doesn’t give up an excessive amount of homeruns. His minor league numbers were just as impressive. He’s got very good stuff, and should improve upon a solid rookie season.
Lance Lynn – He started his career out with a bang, but he limped home down the stretch. His Spring has been even uglier. Lynn did not have a great post season, and for a young pitcher that may be hard to shake. His WHIP was not very impressive. Lynn should have a fine career, but he may suffer through a real sophomore jinx. Too much pressure may be put on Lynn. It could all add up to a poor season.
Trevor Cahill – His fantasy owners are still waiting for his 2010 season to reemerge. It’s not going to happen. He pitches to contact, which doesn’t help his cause. Patient hitters will draw the walk against Cahill. In his career losses, his ERA is 7.21. When he’s good, he’s good. When he’s bad, he hurts your fantasy team.
Wade Miley – He keeps the ball in the park, and in the strike zone. That makes him an asset, even though his strikeout totals need to improve. He’s a left-handed pitcher who knows how to pitch. Lefthanders hit just .200 against him last season. Miley is a safe bet in 2013.
Kyle Drabek – He has shown none of the promise that many projected for him. Maybe one day he’ll turn the corner, but it is doubtful that will materialize in 2013.
Scott Diamond – He had an impressive ERA last season. His other numbers suggest that it will be difficult to repeat. Opposing batters put the ball in play against Diamond. He has excellent control for a young pitcher. He won’t hurt your fantasy team, but he will be overpriced come draft day. There’s no need to avoid him, but temper expectations.
Ivan Nova – Too many people are looking at his 2011 season, and hoping for the same from Nova. Don’t expect an 16 win season any time soon…if at all. His numbers weren’t all that impressive that season despite the wins. He posted a 5.02 ERA last season. He will never give you a good WHIP or high strikeout totals. With the Yankees looking like a non-playoff team this season, ten wins may be a stretch for Nova. Look elsewhere to a number three starter.
