2008 Rookies and Prospects–Pitchers Spring Stats (through 3/12/08)
How the top rookies and prospects of 2008 have performed so far in Spring Training as they fight to make their respective teams
Clay Buchholz (3 games) 8.2 IP, 11.50 ERA, 9 ER, 3 HR, 2 BB, 7 Ks
Still consider Buchholz the front-runner for that last spot in the Red Sox rotation. Bartolo Colon has looked good so far, but he hasn’t even been in a game situation yet. Although he will need a good performance in here somewhere this spring, with the added injury to Josh Beckett, it would be quite surprising to see Clay in Triple A to start the ’08 season.
Joba Chamberlain (2 games) 4.1 IP, 4.15 ERA, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 Ks
After an unimpressive first start to the spring, Chamberlain bounced back to be plenty more effective when he started a game Monday. Don’t read into this, he won’t be starting at the beginning of the season. He still is a relevant fantasy player, even as a setup man, and should be exceptional once he is put into the rotation
Nick Adenhart (3 games) 8.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks
Although he has impressed manager Mike Scioscia this spring, it is nearly inevitable that Adenhart will be starting the year at AAA Salt Lake. Keep an eye on him down there, however, if Joe Saunders or Ervin Santana prove to be ineffective, Adenhart is just a phone call away from pitching for one of the best teams in the majors.
Luke Hochevar (3 games) 8 IP, 4.80 ERA, 7 H, 1 BB, Ks
Even though he has been impressive in his limited spring action, Hochevar is still a bit of a long shot to break camp with the Royals. This bears watching, however, it isn’t like anyone in the Royals rotation is not replaceable.
Gio Gonzalez (3 games) 9 IP, 2.00 ERA, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 Ks
Gonzalez looks as though he will be grabbing one of the open rotation spots for Oakland if he keeps this up. Let’s face it, after Joe Blanton (who might be dealt) and Rich Harden (who will probably only make ten starts) who is standing in Gio’s way? Could be a good sleeper for 2007, just don’t expect too many wins, the A’s don’t figure to win THAT many games.
Homer Bailey (3 games) 7.1 IP, 4.91 ERA, 4 ER, 6 BB, 6 Ks
After an injury plagued first season in the majors, Bailey is looking to bounce back and live up to the potential that has been promised us for so long. He has a ton of strikeout potential, but has also been very prone to walking batters (1:1 K/BB ratio in ’07). If Bailey can get his control under wraps, he could be looking at an exciting year in 2008, and the Reds could be looking at competing for a division crown.
Franklin Morales (3 games) 9 IP, 2.00 ERA, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 Ks
Morales appears as though he is ready to grab a spot in the Rockies rotation. One of the more electric arms coming into the majors, Morales is definitely a strikeout pitcher. If he is able to secure a starting spot, expect a decent amount of wins on an offensively powerful Rockies team, as well as near a strikeout an inning. With all young pitchers however, there will most likely be some rocky (ha, ha) times as well.
Jair Jurrjens (3 games) 9 IP, 1.00 ERA, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 Ks
Jurrjens has now thrown eight consecutive shutout innings after his performance against St. Louis on Monday. He is making it increasingly more difficult for the Braves to keep him out of their starting rotation when the season starts, and if he does indeed secure that spot, he could be an intriguing pick for NL ROY.
Clayton Kershaw (2 games) 2 IP, 4.50 ERA, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks
Kershaw has been all the buzz around Dodger camp, impressing coaches and teammates alike. Even though he doesn’t turn 20 until later this month, he has already made a name for himself, as announcer Vince Scully has dubbed his curveball “Public Enemy Number One.” Getting a pitch nicknamed by one of the great baseball voices of all time as a teenager gives you an idea of how special Kershaw can be. He will almost definitely start the season in the minors, however, if he doesn’t all fantasy teams (especially keeper leagues) should jump on this guy.
Johnny Cueto (3 games) 9 IP, 1.00 ERA, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 Ks
Manager Dusty Baker, who usually doesn’t like to play rookies, has been thoroughly impressed with young Mr. Cueto. So much so, in fact, that Cueto has an outside chance at earning a rotation spot this spring. He has been incredibly effective so far, and his control has been impeccable. If Cueto is the Reds 4th or 5th starter, he could have a major fantasy impact in 2008.
As always, your questions (adds, drops, trades, draft questions, etc) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.
