Monday we covered the top 10 starting pitchers in fantasy baseball. Today we will dig deeper, pointing out starters that may not be as well known as those in the top 10. However, our starters from 11-25 possess just as much skill and quite possibly more upside.
Hopefully you are looking for a pitcher that will be much more effective than Will Ferrell as he takes the mound tomorrow during Spring Training. At least we hope you are. Enjoy!
11. Cole Hamels– Many fantasy owners caught a glimpse at Cole Hamels lackluster surface stats over the past two seasons and will pass up his serviceson draft day. We are here to tell you that’s a big mistake. While yes, a 9–9 season was not flashy in 2014, Hamels exhibited a level of dominance over hitters that we have not seen in him for years. Hamels over the last three years has allowed 78 runs, 72 earned runs, and 19 HR’s a season. In 2014 Hamels allowed just 60 runs, 56 earned runs, and 14 HR’s. If you’re counting that’s 18 less runs, 16 less earned runs, and 5 less HR’s. That’s kind of a big deal. Not to mention his 2.46 ERA last season was the lowest ERA he’s ever had in MLB. Hamels is definitely worth adding to your fantasy payroll!
12. Zack Greinke– One of the more consistent and proven starting pitchers in the NL, Greinke is still displaying an elite level of dominance at 31. If he can remain healthy, expect another 17 wins, 200 K’s, low ERA, and several PQ starts.
13. Jordan Zimmerman– Career highs in K’s, ERA, and BAA last season. Zimmerman also had 15 pure quality starts in 2014, and last but certainly not least he will be pitching behind Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg this season. Bankroll him!
14. Hisashi Iwakuma– Although he missed the first month of the 2014 season, Iwakuma bounced back to finish the season with 12 perfect PQ starts. Iwakuma’s skills are still present, but in order for him to reach career highs he must remain healthy. Proceed with caution.
15. Jon Lester– Following several sub-par seasons in Boston, Jon Lester displayed real levels of dominance in 2014 that we have not seen in him for several years. In 2014, Lester had 19 perfect PQ starts, a 2.46 ERA, and a .236 BAA. Lester has not displayed that level of dominance since his 2010 season. There is no reason to think he can’t duplicate this performance again in 2015. ⇑
16. Corey Kluber– After what can only be characterized as a an abysmal start to the 2014 season, Cory Kluber came roaring back to establish himself as an elite starter.
Kluber finished 2014 with 21 PQ starts, a 2.44 ERA, 269 K’s, and a .233 BAA. The only questions now are will he regress, and if so how much?
17. Jeff Samardzija– Even though his numbers have not been “flashy” over the last couple of seasons, Samardzija made significant improvements in 2014. Last season Samardzja had 15 perfect PQ starts, a 2.99 ERA, and a .234 BAA. That’s the best he has pitched since 2011( in that season he pitched in just 88 innings.). Samardzija has the potential to blow up at any time, why not in 2015? ⇑
18. Jake Arrieta– Much like his crosstown rival Samardzija, Arietta showed a great deal of improvement in 2014. Arrietta had 15 perfect PQ starts, a 2.53 ERA, 167 K’s, and a .ridiculous .203 BAA. Look for more of the same in 2015. ⇑
19. Julio Teheran– Coming off a stellar sophomore campaign in 2014, Teheran is now making the argument that he is an elite starting pitcher. With improvements in ERA(2.89) BAA(.232), K’s (186) and 17, PQ starts, there’s no denying that Teheran is the new ace of the Braves and would make an excellent addition to your fantasy team.
20. Gio Gonzalez– Three words sum up Gio Gonzalez in 2015: Consistency, Dominance, and Circumstance. Consistency? Gonzalez has averaged 14 W’s, 187 K’s, and a 3.27 ERA over the past three seasons.Dominance? Gonzalez has owned hitters for the past three seasons keeping them down near the Mendoza Line with a .222 BAA. Circumstance? Gonzalez will pitch behind Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Jordan Zimmerman this season.Need we say more?
21. James Shields– Although he helped the Royals reach the fall classic in 2014, James Shields experienced a slight skills regression last season. Shields had a significant rise in his BAA (.256), and struck out 20 less batters than he normally does.However, Shields regression in 2014 could be just an anomaly. Fortunatley for Shields, he just joined the National League, and the best pitchers park (Petco) in baseball this offseason. Look for a bounce back!
22. Tyson Ross– If wins and losses are all that you pay attention to when it comes to starting pitchers, then Tyson Ross is not for you. However, if you value stats that uncover a pitchers true skills, then Tyson Ross is your guy.
Ross had an impressive 17 PQ starts, 187 K’s, a 2.81 ERA, and a .230 BAA in 2014. Did we mention he also pitches in San Diego?
23. Sonny Gray-In his first full major league season, Sonny Gray quickly established himself as an effective starter. Gray had 12 perfect PQ starts, 185 K’s, a 3.08 ERA, and a .232 BAA. Even if advanced scouting caught up with him last season, expect Gray to bounce back and have a career year.
24. Jacob deGrom– There hasn’t been much to be excited about in the Mets organization for the last several years. Fortunately, that changed once Jacob deGrom got called up last season. In his first season deGrom had 14 perfect PQ starts, a 2.69 ERA, and a .228 BAA. There is no telling what he is capable of achieving in a full season! ⇑
25. Zack Wheeler– Another starter for the Mets that has continued to show promise as an effective starter is Zach Wheeler. In his first full season Wheeler managed 13 perfect PQ starts, a 3.54 ERA, and 187 K’s. If can manage to stay healthy, Wheeler has the potential for a breakout season.
Check back with us next week as we breakdown the top 10 1B in fantasy baseball for 2015!
matthewsprayberry
I am a huge fan of my wife, my wonderful daughter, baseball, old school wrasslin', movies, and friends. Dislikes? The killing off of Quicksilver (Oops…too soon?), People who don't tip, Reality TV, and Daredevils new costume (I'm sorry it just looks stupid).
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