We’ll round up notable changes and trends affecting the major fantasy baseball statistical categories. In pitching, we’ll focus on the major counting statistics (Wins, Losses and Saves) and the cumulative statistics (ERA and WHIP). In batting, we’ll similarly focus on counting statistics (HR, RBI, Runs and SB) and cumulative statistics (AVG).
Our intent is to provide you insight that allows you to identify waiver-wire pickups or optimize your daily/weekly starting lineups.
Movers and Shakers, Counting Pitching Stats
Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol lost his closer role after a rocky first week that included five earned runs in just 1.2 innings (over three appearances). Marmol will be demoted to mop-up duty until he regains his control. If he’s on your roster, I’d be reluctant to release him, as he still has an excellent K/9 ratio (11.71/9 innings in 2012) and the Cubs have invested in him as a closer. In the meantime, Kyuji Fujikawa will take the reigns as the Cubs’ closer. Fujikawa owns a low-90′s fastball that he’ll try to use to his advantage in his first go-round in the NL (off-season pickup from the Nippon Ham League). Worth checking the waiver wire if he’s still available.
After a rocky 2012, Milwaukee Brewers’ closer John Axford is back at it, delivering shaky late-game outings for the Brew-crew. Axford has given up four HRs in 2013, in just 2.2 innings. This comes on top of a 2012 season where he struggled with a 19 HR/FB% ratio, nearly double the league average. Axford hasn’t lost his closer gig yet, but if you own him, you’d be wise to take an insurance policy and pickup Jim Henderson in the event Axford continues to serve-up gopher balls.
The Detroit Tigers continue to make a bigger farce of their ninth innings as they preach their confidence in a “closer by committee” approach. With Bruce Rendon’s demotion in spring training, Jim Leyland was to rely on a closer committee, largely made of Joaquin Benoit and Phil Coke. Coke has started poorly, with a 5.38 FIP (albeit in two innings), while Benoit continues to strike out fewer batters while walking more. I’d wager that hard-throwing Al Alburquerque is not far from a trial as the closer. He has the stuff and physique of a closer - it’s just a lack of experience holding him back. Check if he’s available if you’re looking for down the road for some cheap saves.
Movers and Shakers, Cumulative Pitching Stats
Young Miami Marlins starter Jose Fernandez posted an outstanding career debut last Sunday, tossing five innings of one-run ball while striking out eight in a loss to the New York Mets. Fernandez (20) was not to start the season with the Marlins, but Jacob Tuner’s poor spring forced the Marlins’ hand. His fastball reaches the 95-96 mph range, and is complemented by nasty a curveball and changeup. The young Marlins righty may not rack up many wins, but he’s a decent source of ERA and WHIP help (and potentially SOs) if your starting rotation is a little thin. He’ll get two starts this week, if that helps.
There’s been plenty of questions about who’d emerge from the back-end of the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation. Crowded between Ted Lilly, Aaron Harang, and Chris Capuano, Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched his first game last week, allowing just two runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings and (six strikeouts) against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Harang traded to the Rockies, Ryu has solidified his place in the Dodgers’ rotation; in a pitching friendly NL West, Ryu is a safe bet for good pitching outings that will improve your team’s ERA and WHIP.
Doubtful you drafted John Lackey, but if he makes a return to the DL, his spot in the rotation will be bring Alfredo Aceves back as a starter.