By Dalton Del Don
Andrew Miller – Over his first 181.2 major league innings, Miller has an ugly 5.80 ERA and 1.64 WHIP. His 5.2 BB/9 IP mark is horrendous. Still, there remains a lot to like about the former sixth overall pick. Last year’s 7.46 K/9 IP mark was solid, as was his 1.24 G/F ratio. His sky high BABIP (.346) and low strand rate (.627) suggest he was awfully unlucky. In fact, his FIP last season was 3.96. Hopefully a revamped delivery can improve Miller’s command as well.
Sean Gallagher – Gallagher struck out 54 batters over 56.2 innings after coming to the A’s in the Rich Harden deal last season, and it’s clear Billy Beane likes him. Oakland is a terrific place to pitch, and if the A’s sign Orlando Cabrera, there won’t be a better middle infield defense in baseball.
Brian Bruney – For those in deep AL-only leagues where middle relievers make a real difference, Bruney is an excellent late target. Despite walking a batter every other inning, he quietly posted a 1.83 ERA and 0.99 WHIP last season. His strikeout rate is elite, and while I loathe “best shape of his life” stories, Bruney dedicated himself to baseball this offseason, now only eating healthy foods (no fun) and eschewing alcohol (boring). He could even squeak out some wins as the Yankees’ setup man.
Jorge De La Rosa – Typically I avoid all Colorado pitchers, but De La Rosa isn’t a bad last round flier. Like most pitchers on this list, he needs to improve his command, but the fact he fanned 128 batters over 130 innings last season reveals upside. Over the final two months of 2008, he posted a 2.47 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
Tommy Hanson – Hanson is no secret as one of baseball’s best prospects, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll have a spot in Atlanta’s rotation entering the year, so he’s someone worth grabbing late and stashing if possible. Hanson is sure to get a shot with the Braves soon enough, as he just finished Double-A last year with a 3.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 10.5 K/9 IP mark as a 21-year-old.
Andy LaRoche – LaRoche posted a .458 OPS over 164 at-bats after getting traded to Pittsburgh last season, this after never coming close to reaching expectations while in Los Angeles. To make matters worse, he showed up to spring training with a bad back, saying “This offseason I didn’t really stick with (the exercises) like I should. I guess the doctors were right when they said I’ll have to stick with them for the rest of my career.” You think? Anyway, LaRoche has since returned to action, and it’s worth noting his BABIP was a ridiculously low .168 during his stint as a Pirate last year. He’s just one year removed from posting a .988 OPS in Triple-A as a 23-year-old, and while that came in a hitting environment, it’s obvious he’s capable of playing far better than he has so far in the majors. Finally handed a full-time job at third base, LaRoche isn’t a bad cheap option in NL-only leagues.
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