Opening day is right around the corner and fantasy drafts are winding down all across the country. You have undoubtedly poured over statistics and crunched the numbers every which way to determine your player wish list.
It is a common occurrence in fantasy pools to see a team loaded with offensive talent and big names; however, the pitching gets completely neglected. I know the old adage (thanks to Nike) that chicks (and fantasy general managers) dig the long ball but I’m here to tell you that pitching wins your fantasy pool.
Solid pitching, not offense is the mark of a successful fantasy squad. Now there is only one Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw and Stephen Strasburg available in every pool so one must dig deeper to find some hidden pitching gems that can add tremendous value to your squad while not costing high-round picks to acquire.
eDraft is continuing its analysis of fantasy sleepers as we now move on to the men on the mound. What will follow is a division by division breakdown of sleepers and undervalued arms that could just propel your fantasy squad to the top or at least garner you some serious props for your baseball insight.
We kick off our sleeper selections by starting in the American League Central division. Here are four quality hurlers worthy of draft day consideration. Stay tuned to eDraft for fantasy pitchers from throughout the National League and American League.
Al Alburquerque - Relief Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
Alburquerque figures to be a very useful arm coming out of the pen for manager Jim Leyland. He has a very live fastball and his command of his pitches has improved to the point where is reliable enough in the late-innings to get the hold. Alburquerque could see some save situations as the season unfolds as his WHIP should be around 1.15 on the season. I project a solid season for Alburquerque so long as he can stay healthy. He missed most of last season due to arm surgery; however, early indications out of spring training are that the velocity and arm strength are non-issues. If Alburquerque can assert himself early on in the season, I would expect him to be a well-used option come late-inning situations.
Glen Perkins - Relief Pitcher, Minnesota Twins
Perkins figures to get an opportunity to be the Twins' closer for the season. He did closer duties last season as he filled in for the injured Matt Capps. Last season Perkins pitched in a career high 70 innings. This season he figures to see a little bit less work as he will primarily be used in save situations. Perkins should be pretty sharp come opening day as he played in the World Baseball Classic and has faced stiffer competition than many of his peers. Perkins represents solid late-round value for a closer as he projects to finish with 20-plus saves and an ERA around 2.80.
Addison Reed - Relief Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
By all accounts last season was an astounding success for Reed as he finished seventh in saves in the AL. He will be looking to build off that total for the 2013 season as he enters the season with his position as closer firmly entrenched. Aside from the saves, Reed gives fantasy owners solid strikeout totals. There is some concern over Reed’s high ERA; however, this 24-year-old has been working hard to keep his pitches down in the zone and build confidence in his off-speed stuff to get hitters out. Similar to Glen Perkins in so much as he will be available in the later rounds and that he represents solid value for a full-time closer.
Trevor Bauer - Starting Pitcher, Cleveland Indians
Manager Terry Francona has announced that Trevor Bauer will start the season at Triple-A ball. This isn’t too surprising given the hype surrounding Scott Kazmir; it seemed evident that the Indians were grooming Kazmir for the fifth spot in the rotation. Some more minor league ball is probably the best thing for this 22 year old that was acquired by the Indians in the off-season from Arizona. A great late-round pick up here, even as a draft and stash guy as he figures to get called up to the big club come end of May. He will eventually earn a spot in the rotation and has the potential to be a number two starter.