What's On

Saturday, March 23, 2013

MAKING THE PITCH: Houston Astros



Felipe M

We take a look at the projected starting rotations and closer situations of every MLB team.  Of course, this will come from a fantasy perspective.  All cited stats are based on 2013 projections.  

To see our preview of the Tampa Rays, click here.

Now let's take a look (unfortunately) on the Houston Astros:

2013 PITCHING PROJECTIONS
Player
K/BB
K/9
BB/9
H/9
WHIP
HR/A
Bud Norris
2.49
8.75
3.52
8.70
1.36
1.11
Erik Bedard
2.25
8.28
3.67
8.21
1.32
1.01
Lucas Harrell
1.66
6.14
3.69
8.68
1.37
0.69

It's funny to mention Jordan Lyles as he was penciled in as the #4 starter earlier in the spring.  It's worth monitoring him because of his potential, but his numbers are somewhere in between mediocre and adequate.  He was projected to post a 1.36 WHIP so perhaps getting optioned to the Minors wasn't a bad thing.  

But trying to figure out this team is absolutely frustrating.  Their offense is terrible and their pitching staff is slightly better--that's not saying much.  Lucas Harrell is supposed to be the #2 pitcher.  At one point in the spring, he was actually competing for the #1 role!  Following Harrell is Phil Humber.  Humber's numbers were so bad, that I decided to keep him away from my Pitchers' Big Board.  I don't care that he's pitched a perfect game, I don't want him anywhere near my team.  That goes for Harrell as well.  For the sake of balance, both Humber and Harrell have pitched pretty well this spring.  So perhaps there's some hope for these guys; it won't happen on my team.    

Also not listed is closer, Jose Veras.  Aside from having to fend off other relievers (like prospect Jarred Cosart), Veras' career and projected numbers were so terrible, that I decided to not place his name on the "big board."  He has issues with control and high WHIP, but on the bright side, he can rack up the K's.  Proceed with caution.  
It is amazing that there was enough competition for Erik Bedard to not be named to the starting rotation until this week.  He is penciled in as the #4 starter.  He does come with baggage, however: injury history, decreased production, age, etc.  Nevertheless, his projection shows that he still can be an adequate, fantasy pitcher.  Currently, he's ranked between Ervin Santana and Ricky Nolasco on our "Big Board."  A deep sleeper if he can stay healthy and find a way to drop his walk rate.  

And yes, there's still an open competition for the #5 slot.  Brad Peacock has the pedigree and the spring numbers to best his opponent, Alex White. Somehow, Peacock worked his way from a predictable trip back to the Minors, to being on the verge of starting the year with the Big League club.  Unfortunately, he's projected to have issues with walks and finish with a WHIP of 1.40.  

Finally, Bud Norris is the opening day starter.  Besides the K/9, his numbers are not very impressive.  I have him stuck between soft-tossers, Jeremy Guthrie and Ross Detwiler.  

More MLB content is available here.  

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