In life, we often don’t have a choice who we love. The same holds true for fantasy baseball fans. Right or wrong, rational or irrational, we are drawn to certain players each season, maybe through hype or a glimpse of what could be from the previous season. In this series of articles, I would like to spotlight just who you should be “crushing” on in 2009.
Boasting an electric arm that can bring 98 MPH heat, Max Scherzer is as crush-worthy as any young pitcher in the game. Coming out of the University of Missouri, Scherzer was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round (11th overall) in 2006. Signed just in time to perform in 2007, Max raced up the Arizona prospect rankings. Finally, April 29th, 2008, Scherzer got his shot in the “bigs” and he didn’t waste any time showing the league where he belonged. Against the Houston Astros, in his first major league appearance, Mad Max pitched 4 1/3 innings striking out seven, falling one strikeout short of a major league record in a relief debut.
Scherzer’s downside is that he suffered from a little dead arm and some sore shoulder setbacks as the season went on. Even thought he finished the season with an 0-4 record, 66 K, 3.05 ERA, and 1.23 WHIP in 56 innings, he’s scared off some fantasy owners because of the injury risk. I won’t lie to you, the risk is there, but so is a massive amount of upside. Even though Arizona is bound to limit his innings pitched, Scherzer has the ability to have the type of breakout season that Francisco Liriano had in 2006.
Along with his blazing plus-plus fastball, Scherzer also sports a major league quality change and slider. That change-up is a “swing and miss” pitch when he’s ahead in the count. Max has huge upside in the rotation or in the bully as a high octane closer. As a closer, he’d save miles on his arm, but the Diamondbacks are trying him as a starter right now.
So here’s the plan; Take advantage of his injury history and the fact that the Diamondbacks won’t need a fifth starter until the second week of the season. Some owners may also be turned off by his going winless last season. All good reasons to watch him fall to you. In roto leagues, take him after you have 4 or 5 solid starters or before the pitching pool becomes too shallow. If Max pitches 150 innings this season, he’s a lock for 160 Ks, a solid ERA and WHIP. If he gets close to 200 innings, he shouldn’t, but if he does, look for Tim Lincecum-type K totals. In auction leagues with a 300 dollar salary cap, pay under $10 and call it a steal.
Very interesting read Dave. I have him at 180 ip, 3.44 era, 1.22 whip, 12-9 record, and 180 k’s. In our points leagues that translates to 575 points and $20 value, getting for $10 would be a great buy and would be a nice addition in the middle of any rotation.