WaiverSharks 2009 Preseason

Fantasy Baseball Rankings:

Starting Pitchers #81-#100

Now we are digging into some Deeper Sleepers! We’ve even broke out some serious Washington Nationals love in this installment. A daring thing to do, since up until now the most impressive thing the Washington Nationals have done is the nightly Presidents Race. But, they went out this offseason and appear to have at least bolstered their starting pitching with a more experienced rotation going into 2009.

So grab a seat and read about some long shots who might even impress Mr. Jefferson some day!

Courtesy of Scott Abelmen’s photo stream

81) Scott Olsen, Nationals – We can’t allude to Scott Olsen without mentioning the time WaiverSharks watched the Nats latest “Bad Boy” (They seem to have a lot of those don’t they? Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Dmitri Young and now Olsen have all had some pretty sketchy pasts) taunt Chicago fans at Wrigley Field. After being harassed during BP for a ball for the first half hour – Olsen appeared to be ready to bury the hatchet with the Cubbies fans who were begging him to toss up a ball to the Bleachers. He faked a light toss of a ball to fans hovering above the ivy – and then purposely cocked back and fired an elusive souvenir baseball clear over the ballparks grandstands right out of the park. Boos erupted from the Cubbies faithful and Olsen swaggered away. It was admittedly kind of funny to witness – but let’s hope the Kalamazoo native grows up a bit this season.

82) Jonathan O Sanchez, Giants – Sanchez reminds us of Oliver Perez in a way. He brings the heat – but after a solid first half in 2008 – he appeared to fall apart.

83) Brian Matusz, Orioles – The Orioles have some very promising young arms in their farm system right now – this guy is one of them.

84) Mark Buerle, White Sox – We’re not real big on Buerle – but you could do worse in the latter rounds.

85) Wandy Rodriguez, Astros – Wandy’s home/away splits are “Ervin Santana like bizarre” – if he can manage to pitch as consistent on the road as at home he’d become a valuable fantasy commodity.

86) Alfredo Aceves, Yankees – Will have to fight hard for a rotation spot on New York ’s Bronx Bombers – but showed promise during the tale end of 2008.

87) John Lannan, Nationals – Another Washington National makes the list! Lannan can be wicked at times – but we need to see another season to commit any higher.

88) Michael Bowden, Red Sox – Another solid prospect – who unfortunately plays on a team deeply entrenched with proven arms – still, an injury or two strikes and we may very well see Bowden step it up in 2009.

89) Greg Smith, Rockies – Smith should continue to develop in 2009 – but a move from Oakland to Coors Field won’t make things any easier.

90) Jonathon Niese, Mets – Will in all likelihood fight for the final rotation spot on the Mets during Spring Training.

91) Paul Malholm, Pirates – Malholm get little to no fanfare pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates – a shame really, because this southpaw knows how to deliver.

92) Wade LeBlanc, Padres – Petco is one of the best pitchers parks in all of baseball – if Jake Peavy gets dealt – LeBlanc will have a chance to make the rotation next spring.

93) Rich Hill, Cubs – Rich Hill’s fantasy owners were the only guys netting any sympathy last season from Justin Verlander’s owners. Neither are guarantees in 2009 – but in Hill’s case especially, there’s no where to go but up!

94) Jarrod Parker, Diamondbacks – Parker is a TOP prospect in the Arizona D-backs system. He is smallish in stature – ala Roy Oswalt or more recently Tim Lincecum – but more and more diminutive starting pitchers are thriving in the MLB – some even have become staff aces, while others even took home the Cy Young in 2008. So, don’t count out the exclude the little guys from your Fantasy Deep Sleepers!

95) Daniel Cabrera, Nationals – We did mention at the top of this final frontier of SP’s that we would elude to some rascally “Nats” – here’s the latest. He has single-handedly destroyed one’s fantasy WHIP in the past – but he is 27 year old fireballer, who could thrive in the National League’s capital - Washington D.C.

96) Phillippe Aumont, Mariners

Oh Canada!
Our home and native land,
True patriot love
In all thy sons command…

Just in case WaiverSharks patriotism ever comes under scrutiny,
here are some flags to wave during the anthem:

She has us reminding ourselves that Bumbles Bounce!

The big Phillippe (6’7”) hails from Gatineau , Quebec . Mon crayon est grand! That’s about the extent of our French language skills right there. Seattle will not likely feel pressured to start the young French Canadian this season – so consider “Aumont the Giant” to be a long shot for 2009.

97) Eric Hurley, Rangers – We’ve made it quite clear that Arlington Park scares us – but Hurley is one of a handful of promising young arms in the Rangers system…

98) Scott Elbert, Dodgers – Los Angeles Dodgers have a sweet core of young pitchers on the rise. Elbert may have to first settle into a relievers role in 2009, but could get a shot as a 5th starter as early as mid season.

99) Derek Holland, Rangers - … Holland is another.

100) Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers – Provided “Cheech” Jeffress can steer clear of the electric lettuce he could have a solid career as a Major League starting pitcher.

WaiverSharks 2009 Preseason

Fantasy Baseball Rankings:

Starting Pitchers #61 - #80

We don’t get too caught up in last year’s statistics. If we did – we would have over paid for players such as Eric Byrnes, Carlos Pena or possibly even Andruw Jones going into the 2008 season. But we didn’t. Wonder how many of these toys are on clearance shelves in Atlanta department stores?

Our Outfielder Rankings are on deck –

let’s hope we dissuade you from choices like this!

Instead we mostly try and focus on upside and potential.

There is nothing more satisfying then plucking a guy off of your waiver wire – and watching him develop into a superstar. To clearly make our point we have absolutely laced our 61-80 rankings group of talented arms with several young prospects who have tremendous upside - a few of whom some of you might not of even heard of.

61) Vincent Mazzaro, Athletics - WaiverSharks loves to seek deep sleepers! Well, the fish finder has honed in on this kid – who won’t astound you with radar love like Trevor Cahill – but he could blossom at the Major League level.

62) Gio Gonzalez, Athletics – Gio failed to impress when given a shot at the end of 2008 – but he still has the ability to one day become a K’s machine.

63) Wade Davis, Rays – After David Price the Rays still have this guy? WOW! The departure of Edwin Jackson bodes well for us possibly seeing Mr. Davis in 2009 – But it’s very difficult to predict when – and in what capacity.

64) Jeremy Bonderman, Tigers – Will “Bondo” ever put it together? Hard to say, but 2009 should garner better results.

65) Jeremy Hellickson, Rays – The Rays are disgustingly deep in first rate arms.

66) Ian Kennedy, Yankees – If the Yankees have any where’s near the trouble they did with injuries to their pitching staff Ian Kennedy could be asked to step it up.

67) Justin Duchscherer, Athletics – Last year ended on season ending injury – let’s approach this one with caution.

68) Andy Sonnanstine, Rays – With so many talented kids down on the farm – Andy may be packing his ping pong table up in a U-haul before too long. For those not aware of Sonnanstine’s ping pong prowess checkout his YouTube videos.

WaiverSharks is still lobbying for an Andy Sonnanstine VS Biljana “Biba” Golic Ping Pong battle of the sexes. (The sport has sometimes referred to the sexy small ball player as the Anna Kournikova of ping pong.)

Keep your eyes on the ball, Biba! And we’ll keep our eyes on you!

It may never approach the infamous level that the Billie Jean King VS Bobby Riggs tennis match did back in the 1970’s – but it certainly would be hotter to watch!

69) Joe Blanton, Phillies – We were pretty shocked at Blanton’s success when he moved from a pitchers friendly park to a hitter’s friendly park last season. Don’t overpay for his services though.

70) Aaron Cook, Rockies – Cook’s 2008 season was about as good as it’s gonna get for the sinkerball specialist. To think he’ll even match last years numbers would be reaching.

71) Armando Galarraga, Tigers – Where the heck did this guy fall from? Adjustments from hitters could remove some of his shine in 2009 – but he pitches in a big park – and has a strong offensive team behind him - So let’s see if he can repeat.

72) Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals – Another possible over-achiever in 2008. Don’t overpay for his skills.

73) Sean Gallagher, Athletics – Gallagher is a pitcher we like – but we’ll need to see a bit more of him before we are totally on board.

74) Carlos Carrasco, Phillies – Phillies TOP pitching Prospect is a Dark Horse ROY candidate for 2009. Yes, those are strong words – but the Phillies look solid heading into 2009, and if he lands a spot in the back end of their rotation – he could benefit from some sweet match-ups, as well as the Phillies strong offence.

75) Jon Garland, Angels – We are not big fans of Garland – but pitching on the Angels gives him value.

76) Homer Bailey, Reds – Remember this guy? Homer was pretty brutal in 2008. Unless he wants to classified as one of those pitchers who just can’t conquer “THE BIGS” he had better figure things out FAST!

77) Luke Hochevar, Royals – Hochevar will enter his 2nd season most definitely in the Royals rotation. He remains a young gun with upside.

78) Chris Hillman, Orioles – We still have trouble getting overly excited about Orioles pitching – but Tillman and Brian Matusz are a couple of solid arms you may be seeing in the not too distant future.

79) Jesse Litsch, Blue Jays

WaiverSharks has occasionally joked that Jesse Litsch reminds us of Hank Hill’s son Bobby Hill from the Mike Judge animated cartoon series King of the Hill. But we never realized that the voice of Bobby was provided by californication (Cokie Smurf) actress Pamela S. Adlon!

From a fantasy baseball perspective – consider Litsch to be “Kevin Slowey lite”

80) Kenshin Kawakami, Red Sox? - Predicting the results of the annual Asian pitching imports is as difficult as finding all 20 bobbleheads hidden in Fallout 3 - but landing on the Boston Red Sox  would be a good start. Welcome to America Kenshin!

WaiverSharks 2009 Preseason

Fantasy Baseball Rankings:

Starting Pitchers #41-#60

We want to once again remind everyone – we’ve excluded the consensus TOP 25 MLB ranked Starters. Maintaining the fact that if you are not aware that the likes of a Cole Hamels , John Lackey, or even a fire balling hurler like the LA Dodgers Chad Billingsley are worthy of your Fantasy services – you need to take up macramé, or another dated hobby – like whining that you can’t listen to Howard Stern for free anymore – or trying to grab Lindsey Lohan. So 2008 guys!

It’s time to ring in the New Year with some fresh alternative ideas and suggestions!
WaiverSharks.com - as we hope you know by now – truly aims to dig deep - by examining the Deeper Sleepers and Better Keepers for your MLB 2009 Fantasy Baseball season, and beyond.

Let’s roll out our NEXT 20 Starting Pitchers ranks:

41) John Maine, Mets – Check back on health status during spring training.

42) Neftali Feliz, Rangers – Acquired along with Jarrod Saltalamacchia when the Rangers gave up Mark Teixeira – Feliz can scorch the radar gun – and projects to be the possible next Edinson Volquez.

43) Anthony Reyes, Indians – Reyes needed out of St. Louis badly – and pitched pretty nicely in the small amount of AL outings we saw him in at the end of 2008.

44) Ted Lilly, Cubs – Lilly is a solid third or fourth fantasy pitcher – who benefits from pitching on a solid hitting cubs team that can net him a fair amount of victory chances.

45) Mike Pelfrey, Mets – We’re not sure whether Mike Pelfrey has another level, but if he were not on the Mets we’d slide him down 10 to 20 spots.

46) Manny Parra, Brewers – Showed us glimpses last year – and may even further improve now that he has had a taste of the big leagues.

47) Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers – Control pitcher who pitches in a big ballpark. Just tends to be very erratic when it comes to each games strike out totals.

48) Oliver Perez, Mets – Perez is still inconsistent – but he has pitched much better then a few years back when he appeared to be uncontrollably unraveled.

49) Phil Hughes, Yankees – A short time ago Hughes was considered a TOP pitching prospect – perhaps a post hype break out would occur – but will he get the chance now that the Yankees have went out and spent a billion dollars on Burnett and Sabathia?

50) Dana Eveland, Athletics – We like this guy – He competes – and his stuff is well above average. The A’s staff could be VERY young this season.

51) Madison Bumgarner, Giants – Speaking of young, Madison Bumgarner is still a Baby – but he is a TOP pitching prospect that San Francisco could be forced to bring up if too many injuries strike next season.

52) Tom Gorzelanny, Pirates – One of our favorite Bobbleheads last season. Note the index finger poking out from his glove hand appears to be delivering a rather ominous salute to Pittsburgh’s PNC Park faithful.

You can find your own Tom Gorzelanny Bobblehead here.

53) Gil Meche, Royals – Because Meche’ employer is the Kansas City Royals he is an underrated Fantasy commodity who should garner more attention then he does.

54) Brett Anderson, Athletics – Both Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill have shots at being VERY good major league baseball pitchers. The only question that remains is – when?

55) James McDonald, Dodgers – We made mention of James McDonald back on September 13th of 2008 when we wrote a short piece featuring some up and coming Deep Sleeper pitchers heading into the 2009 season. Young McDonald - like many pitchers mentioned here could see some service if the Dodgers endure an injury bug or two from within their starting rotation.

56) Clay Buchholz, Red Sox – Was it the fact Clay Buchholz has been linked to dating Penthouse Pet Erica Ellyson or the hype for a 24 year old to live up to far too lofty expectations after pitching a no hitter in only his second game pitched in a Boston Red Sox uniform? Either way – Clay is better then what he showed in 2008.

(Wouldn’t this distract you?)

57) Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles – Guthrie has a solid repertoire – but Camden Yards is tough place for pitchers – and the Orioles offence has sputtered in recent memory – so we’ll have to temper our expectations somewhat for 2009.

58) Trevor Cahill, Athletics – One of the best young prospect arms in the game right now – which Oakland A’s young gun has the best chance to make a fantasy splash in 2009? Some would argue it is Trevor Cahill.

59) Rick Porcello, Tigers – It might take an injury for us to witness the Tigers highest ranked pitching prospect – but it is possible he will see some action in 2009.

60) Brad Penny, Red Sox? – Penny’s year in 2008 was a write-off. He is now viewed as a Sleeper for the 2009 season since he enjoyed moderate success while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in previous seasons. Penny appears close to finalizing a one year contract with the Boston RedSox at the time we posted this update.