Often you will find two players who are being drafted typically right around the same area and have similar price tags in auctions. Maybe both will bring back close to equal value in returns. Or, the decision could make or break your season. Leave your choice and thoughts on the matter in the comments section.
Cole Hamels or Justin Verlander?
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I have these two ranked right next to each other, so it’s a good comp. Verlander seems more durable but Hamels has the benefit of pitching in the NL. I like his K potential more, so I’d roll the dice with Hamels here.
Hamels. He has a higher K rate, a lower ERA and a lower WHIP. He’s also thrown a lot less pitches so far in his young career.
Love both these guys but have to choose the NL Pitcher. Hamels makeup on the mound is unbelievable. I have seen in many times lett up a couple early and then calm down like the great ones do. The injury risk seems greater for sure but I can see a 240 K campaign in the not so distant future.
Verlander. I don’t love his K/9 rates (they should certainly be better if he really is throwing high-90s like everyone says, unless his offspeed offerings are absolutely gash), and I get that the NL is a better pitchers environment.
That said, it likewise seems self-evident that “Comerica” (christ I hate these corporate names, every time I have to type something as dumb as “comerica” it makes me want to put on a Stooges album and start shooting heroin) is a better pitchers park than “Citizens” or whatever the hell it is called. That’s one thing. The other thing is the health. Verlander has been pretty strong throughout his young career, despite some big innings, while Hamels’ history is obviously checkered.
Looking at Hamels, I just get the feeling his arm is tenuous. It’d be a damn shame for him to join Bedard and Liriano in the Talented Lefty Zipper Club, but if I had to guess, I’d say it happens. I think he eventually breaks down and goes under the knife. Maybe not this year, but within the next 30 months at most. I hope to god I’m wrong, but I have a terrible feeling about him for some reason.
Agree about the corporate takeover in stadium naming rights Dreamweapon.
I’d go with Hamels, although admittedly it’s much riskier. Verlander will take another big step forward this year and has a ridiculous offense supporting him. But Hamels’ changeup is a top-5 pitch in the game, and his WHIP/Ks upside are real enticing. He does give up too many homers, however. And the injury risk is a major deal.
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