The Deep Starting Pitcher
Homer Bailey – Starting Pitcher
Suggesting the Cincinnatti Reds' Homer Bailey as a fantasy baseball pickup is like having a cigarette next to a gas pump...
Chances are nothing bad will happen, but we should at least warn you that this endorsement comes as a cautionary tale.
Yeah, we know…We have been crossing our fingers on Homer Bailey for a few years now…& it has been a lousy, painful, WHIP killing ride. In a nutshell. We are ALL scared to death of his potential blow ups - and with good reason.
Now here comes the “but” part.
Did you know Homer Bailey just celebrated his 23rd birthday a few months back, and perhaps a bit of maturity will now begin to seep into the talented Red. A confident bravado can be an asset, but it’s well known that Homer broke into the Majors with a bit too much swagger, and so the humbling experience of a brutally rough start to the kids career could end up a good thing in Homer’s case.
Did you witness his last start against Albert Pujols and company, which was the longest of his career – going 71/3 innings while striking out 5 and issuing just 2 walks? Much better Homer! Yeah his K/BB ratio is still a big question & yeah, his control is still a work in progress. So, I think we need to see what Homer does this coming week when he faces off against the tough out Phillies, and Carlos Carrasco…sorry, no wait, that would have been too cool to see
the two youngsters battle it out! Darn Phillies! Bailey is actually slated to face an old vet, Rodrigo Lopez (yay.)
If Bailey can string together another impressive outing or two…it may be time to pounce - especially for you keepers leaguers.
The Deep Power Bat
Josh Willingham – Outfield (LF)
We had thoughts of suggesting the newest Oakland Athletic OF, Scott Hairston - but he may take some time to get use to AL pitching & with a Nationals trip to Coors Field in progress we decided to keep things DEEP this week & suggest Josh Willingham. Fantasy gurus and pundits alike have been wanting, waiting and anticipating another worthy season from the powerful 30-year old. After breaking onto the scene in 2006 by mashing 26 long balls, Josh has seen his power diminish, until injuries and a logjam in the Marlins outfield forced a change of scenery.
The Alabama native has not disappointed since the move to the nations’ capital, and with the Nats outfield getting less crowded by the day. Lasting Milledge was sent to the Pirates…and Elijah Dukes to jail…errr…we mean, the minors.
Josh, who is a converted catcher, has shown that power hasn’t left his arsenal with 9 bombs in 160+ AB’s this season. Following Nick Johnson (and his awful moustache), Ryan Zimmermann, and The Big Dunner in the order should offer up enough RBI chances in the 2nd half to merit some fantasy adds. And, since it appears “The Hammer” will net regular PT (for now) he should at least have his name thrown into the hat for consideration in shallow NL-only leagues, as well as deep mixed leagues.
Ultimately, don’t be afraid to add J-Dub, as he is a good filler for those with the roster capability as his hot streak can no longer be ignored.
