Down on the Farm–Top Pitching Prospects Minor League Statistics (through 5/8)

The following pitchers were promoted to the major leagues since the last time I published this article:

Max Scherzer
Nick Adenhart
Aaron Laffey
Jo-Jo Reyes

They will be replaced by new entrants next week.

Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds

Bailey went 1-1 in his last two starts, Bailey has been going deeper into the games, and striking out more batters. He has 17 Ks in his last 14 innings, and his ERA is still under 3.00. His call up to the majors doesn’t appear to be imminent at this point, but he is certainly pitching like he wants it to be sooner rather than later.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
7	4	3	2.72	46.1	37	14	12	39	.222

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kershaw appears to be close to the majors now, and it looks like his call will come sometime in May. The Dodgers had him work out of the bullpen in his last appearance to try to keep his innings down. They have said he will not pitch more than 25 innings in any month, something Joe Torre called the Kershaw Decree, playing off the Joba Rules.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
6	0	3	1.08	33.1	23	4	11	36	.192

Gio Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics

In his last three starts, Gonzalez has been very hittable, as he took the loss in two of them. His ERA more than doubled, and he walked more guys than he struck out. Gonzalez still has a very high ceiling, but it doesn’t appear he will be in the majors soon.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
7	0	2	5.18	33	37	19	18	26	.289

Adam Miller, Cleveland Indians

Miller has had a decent last ten days, although he is yet to record a decision. He does have 10 strikeouts in just 12.2 innings, but he also has five walks and has a .328 batting average against. Miller will certainly be someone to watch if he gets the call to the majors, but I don’t believe it will be in the near future.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
3	0	0	2.84	12	19	4	5	10	.328

Jeff Niemann, Tampa Bay Rays

Niemann was optioned back to the minors on April 20^th, but hasn’t pitched in the minors since his return. Still researching why that might be, will keep you updated.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
2	1	1	3.27	11	8	4	5	9	.195

Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers

Forget about his win-loss record and the rest is pretty impressive. He has only allowed eight runs in seven starts, and although his strikeouts have been down over his past couple of starts, Porcello is still one to watch for the future.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
7	2	4	1.98	36.1	25	8	12	22	.191

Carlos Carrasco, Philadelphia Phillies

Carrasco has posted two consecutive wins, and gotten his strikeout level to over one an inning. He is only 21 years old, and his ceiling is very high. Given some injuries to the rotation in Philly, there’s a shot he could be in the show this year.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
6	3	2	3.25	36	30	13	14	39	.234

Philip Humber, Minnesota Twins

The Twins had Humber pitching out of the bullpen for a couple of appearances, but he is back starting again. Although he did collect a win, Humber certainly has been disappointing so far. He projects to be about a number three starter, so don’t go crazy if/when he is called.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
6	1	3	4.97	29	38	16	13	20	.319

Justin Masterson, Boston Red Sox

After an amazing start that culminated with getting an appearance for the Red Sox, Masterson has been struggling as of late. He has given up four runs in back to back games, and watched his ERA jump from under one to over three. I wouldn’t grab him if he’s just spot starting again, but if he gets the call for an extended stay, Masterson has proven that he can pitch at the highest level.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
6	1	2	3.25	27.2	23	10	10	34	.225

Chris Volstad, Florida Marlins

Volstad continues to be impressive, and looks like he will be ready if duty calls in Florida. He needs to strikeout more hitters to have a huge fantasy impact, as being in Florida won’t net him a ton of wins, but keep his name on your watch list later in the season.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
7	3	1	2.58	45.1	33	13	17	32	.208

Wade Davis, Tampa Bay Rays

Davis will be an impressive addition when he gets the call to the Rays, but it appears there is more than one or more pitchers in front of him in line. He continues to put together a solid, although unspectacular, 2008 campaign.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
7	3	2	3.51	41	34	16	13	29	.234

Joe Savery, Philadelphia Phillies

Although Savery continues to rack up the strikeouts, he has struggled his last couple times out. He allowed nine runs in the past 11 innings, but struck out 14. He’s got a long road before he could end up with the Phillies, but he is a name to watch.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
6	1	2	3.56	43	42	17	18	39	.259

Radhames Liz, Baltimore Orioles

Liz is allowing way too many runs right now, and hasn’t collected a win yet. He is still striking out a batter an inning, but he needs more than that to make it to the major leagues. He has a world of talent, and a great arm, but hasn’t been able to put it together as of yet.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
6	0	3	5.35	33.2	32	20	14	34	.262

 As always, your questions (adds, drops, trades) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Don’t forget to check me out at mlbfrontoffice.com on Tuesdays under In The News. Also go to fantasybaseballsearch.com to find me in the Gurus Blog.

Down on the Farm–Top Pitching Prospects Minor League Statistics

Max Scherzer, Arizona Diamondbacks

Scherzer was called up to the big leagues today, although it is not certain in what capacity he will serve. He might get a start if Micah Owings’ injured ankle makes him unable to go, but nothing has been announced yet. If Scherzer has a spot in the Arizona rotation, grab him up.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	0	0	1.17	23	12	3	3	38	.146

Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds

There’s no need for an introduction here, as Bailey’s name has been known in fantasy leagues for a while now. After an unimpressive stint in the majors last year and being passed over by Johnny Cueto this Spring, his star had tarnished some. However, now it looks like Bailey has a new motivation because he is looking great so far in ’08. When he gets the call, pick him up.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	3	2	1.95	32.1	25	7	7	22	.216

Nick Adenhart, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Adenhart nearly won a rotation spot out of Spring Training, but it was given to Ervin Santana (turned out to be a good call). He has done nothing in his time in the minors to hurt his chance of being in Anaheim, and it is just a matter of time before the spot that Dustin Moseley is keeping warm will belong to Adenhart.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	3	0	1.17	23	15	3	12	14	.190

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

His knee-buckling curveball was dubbed “Public Enemy No. 1” by Dodgers HOF announcer Vin Scully. Not bad for a 20 year old. Kershaw has elite talent, and there is a strong possibility that he will see Los Angeles at some point this year. He might even be worth grabbing and stashing until then.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	0	3	1.40	25.2	17	4	10	31	.185

Gio Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics

Gonzalez had a decent spring and is one of the top prospects in the Athletics system. He has good strikeout potential, but he was passed up for the first promotion by Greg Smith. It is unclear when he will reach the majors, but when he does he’s worth owning on your team.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	0	0	2.50	18	15	5	9	18	.238

Adam Miller, Cleveland Indians

Miller was spending some time in extended Spring Training allowing a blister to heal, and he had a pretty decent AAA debut. Miller will be a valuable fantasy player when he is finally called up, as he is on a good team and strikes out about a batter an inning.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
1	0	0	0.00	5	4	0	2	2	.200

Jeff Niemann, Tampa Bay Rays

Niemann has already seen the big leagues when he filled in for injured Matt Garza, so he appears to be Tampa’s first choice when a sub is needed. He has had a good minor league career, and has good strikeout potential. I would wait until he has a set rotation spot to pick him up.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
2	1	1	3.27	11	8	4	5	9	.195

Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers

Porcello is just 19, and in High Class A, but is an elite talent. There is an outside chance that he could be in Detroit at some point this year, but he is also supposed to be on an innings limit, so that could hurt his chances. If you hear that he does arrive in the Bigs, get your hands on Porcello

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	1	4	2.13	25.1	17	6	6	20	.238

Aaron Laffey, Cleveland Indians

It has been reported that Laffey will get a spot start on Monday, and could fill the rotation spot while Jake Westbrook is injured. Jeremy Sowers got the first shot, but he was sent back to the minors. Laffey may get an extended look if he fairs well on Monday.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	3	1	2.77	26	24	8	6	20	.238

 

Carlos Carrasco, Philadelphia Phillies

The top pitching prospect in the Phillies system, Carrasco could be in Philadelphia by the end of the year. His numbers were incredible before a bad outing in which he gave up six earned in just five innings. He has great strikeout potential, and when he hits the majors he could make a big impact.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	1	2	3.91	23	23	10	9	27	.274

Philip Humber, Minnesota Twins

Humber came to the Twins in the Johan Santana trade, and will certainly see some time in Minnesota this year, possibly soon with the implosion of Francisco Liriano and the injury to Kevin Slowey. He isn’t an elite prospect, and I would suggest waiting until he proves he can succeed at the major league level before adding him.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	0	3	5.24	22.1	29	13	11	12	.31

Justin Masterson, Boston Red Sox

Another pitcher who has gotten a taste of the big leagues, Masterson made spot start for the Sox on Thursday and was impressive. He looks to be who the Red Sox will call upon if they have any injuries, and he could be worthy of a spot on your fantasy team then. His minors numbers aren’t impressive, so be cautious of getting too excited from one start.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	1	0	0.95	19	14	2	5	23	.209

Chris Volstad, Florida Marlins

At just 21, Volstad looks to be the best pitcher in the Marlins system. He has had a good start to the season in ’08. He isn’t a huge strikeout pitcher, and being in Florida won’t net him a ton of wins, so make sure that he is successful at the highest level before adding him.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	2	0	2.90	31	25	10	10	21	.225

Wade Davis, Tampa Bay Rays

He is thought to be one of the top pitching prospects in the minors, but certainly hasn’t pitched like it so far. He isn’t overpowering, so doesn’t strike out a ton, but he could be an effective pitcher at the major league level. He probably won’t be up for a while, but keep an eye on his season at AA.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
5	3	1	3.10	29	25	10	9	15	.243

Jo-Jo Reyes, Atlanta Braves

Reyes was nothing short of horrendous during his call up to Atlanta last season. His ERA was over 6.00, and he walked more guys than he struck out. He has turned it around this year in Triple A, as he is dominating his competition. He has given up just one earned run in four starts, and is striking out better than a batter an inning.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	1	0	0.43	21	11	1	6	24	.157

Joe Savery, Philadelphia Phillies

Savery is still in Class A ball, so is a long shot to land in Philly this year, but he is one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. He struggles with his control at times, but has the chance to be something special when his time comes for the Phillies.

 

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	1	1	2.25	32	29	8	12	25	.248

Radhames Liz, Baltimore Orioles

Liz reminds me of another Orioles pitcher, Danny Cabrera. He shows incredible flashes of brilliance, but struggles with his control and focus. He can strike hitters out at an incredible rate (161 Ks in 137 IP in ’07), but until he can get focused and consistent he will have a hard time being successful.

Starts	Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Hits	ER	BB	Ks	BAA
4	0	2	5.82	21.2	24	14	6	24	.289

 As always, your questions about your team (adds, drops, trades, etc) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee an answer within 18 hours.