2010 Deep Sleepers: Wade Davis

By Adam Forsyth

Wade Davis - Starting Pitcher

Impressive in his six start audition at the end of the 2009 season, this home grown talent and former 3rd round pick put the pressure on the struggling Andy Sonnanstine and will surely challenge to make the starting rotation in what should be a great spring training challenge as the Rays number five.

Wade Davis brings a much better overall palate to the mound, offers greater control - and more effective full plate and corner use. While it’s no mystery that Sonnanstine struggled mightily last season (in what many believed would be a breakthrough season) Wade Davis seemed cool and confident on the mound in all but one of his starts.

The Rays seem to have tremendous success in grooming their own talent the last few seasons and should Davis be allowed to make the roster and show the expected growth, the coaches and management in Tampa deserve some accolades as they are in tough in a money-spending AL East where even Don Zimmer is seemingly a small fish in the big pond.

Davis has the stuff to be a K/IP pitcher while maintaining control (career minor league 2.83K/BB) and is a quality start heavyweight who typically toes the hill with his head on straight. Power, poise and a top end curve makes this yet another worthy Rays starter to keep on the tip of your tongue and the front of your mind on draft day.

By Adam Forsyth

Brett Anderson – Starting Pitcher

Oakland is a team that is not scared to take a risk, especially with young, talented pitchers with tremendous upside. Now, by risk, I’m only suggesting that they definitely aren’t afraid to allow a 21-year old left-handed phenom take the hill and make 30 starts in his rookie season.

There is always concern in the follow-up season where a pitcher makes a big jump in IP (as Anderson had never thrown more than 120.1 innings in a season prior to 2009’s 175.1) however, don’t always assume the worst as many pitchers have had success after jumping in use.

We expect this former Arizona Diamondbackprospect to be one of those success stories. His stuff was dynamic more often than not, (with an exclamation point on his complete game 2-hit gem in July at Boston ) and he’s certainly got the goods to be a top of the rotation starter for a long time.

Although, I’m sure in typical Billy Beane, Oakland A’sfashion - he’ll be collecting most of that top of the rotation salary wearing the duds of another major league team!

With the addition and unknown status of Ben Sheets to the A’s rotation, expect Anderson to be heavily relied on to make another solid 30+ starts and pencil him in as a solid low end number three starting pitcher (or maybe even a SOLID number four, depending on the depth of your league) as his control is phenomenal and should allow him to continue his statistical rise.

Fantasy Baseball is back folks!

And so too is WaiverSharks with its 3rd full MLB campaign of

Fantasy Baseball Suggestions, and Bobblehead News!

As Pitchers & Catchers get set to return to the ball diamond (She appears to be signaling for the heater?) So too does our own Fantasy baseball analyst Adam Forsyth with another year of Fantalytics! Breaking down 2010 Fantasy Baseballs tough calls, so you don’t have to!

Okay, now that the opening ceremonies are over - Adam launches WaiverSharks' 2010 Fantasy Baseball today with a classic National League West MLB Show Down that will have you pondering KERSHAW or CAIN all spring!

Meanwhile, later on this week, our main man from Maryland, Scott Soloman will examine why Keeper Leaguers need to take notes on the rising star of the Baltimore Orioles Nolan Reimold.

And, finally - coming soon to a blog near you, the beloved big guy – boss man Scott Woodall admits why his ‘man crush’ for the San Diego Padres behemoth Kyle Blanks will have him touting this 2010 Fantasy Baseball Deeper Sleeper throughout the month of March!

On to Fantalytics – Season Two!

By Adam Forsyth

In this edition of FANTALYTICS we compare a sweet pair of feature arms whose fantasy star power will surely continue to rise in 2010. As mentioned - This West Coast battle features the classic story of lefty vs. righty as both are expected to be key cogs in what are becoming arguably two of baseballs’ best rotations.

With that being said, both teams are expected to be in the mix for the NL West divisional crown, in what should be a highly competitive bracket - with the possibility of even two of the NL West teams making the post-season.

Without further adieu, get your highlighters ready folks as it’s time to break off another exciting season of: FANTALYTICS!

 Click here to read the cases' for Kershaw VS Cain on WaiverSharks' Fantalytics Blog!

By Adam Forsyth

Allright, MEAT…Give him your heat!

There’s TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, TWELVE APOSTLES, THE DIRTY DOZEN, HECK there’s even TWELVE MONKEYS.

We just couldn’t leave off at #11, so here's three MLB young guns who can really crank the numbers up on the radar:

FANTALYTICS – VOLUME 12 / THE FINAL 2009 FANTALYTIC

We understand that the fantasy focus has changed gears to the world of the NFL, as well as (to a much smaller scale) the NHL. It’s unfortunate to admit, but with football in full swing, and the NHL opening up training camps and pre-season play, along with the fact that most playoffs for baseball leagues have entered their final innings, we have to close the curtains on another great season of fantasy baseball. However, with 11 editions of FANTALYTICS in the books, the superstitious side of me took over and I just had to complete the circuit by adding a twelfth and final edition to what has been a sterling season of fun, passion and prediction.

Read the cases for Bumgarner vs Strasburg vs Feliz now!

Enter a very interesting, and in our eyes at least – a much hotter topic than “Bradgelina!” We anticipate plenty of intrigue when pitchers and catchers report next February, for Spring Training 2010 - which should be a most interesting season for first year arms. With several options at enormous impacts being the reality, we take into view three premiere prospects that will soon take the fantasy world by storm. Two right handed power-pitching studs, and a lefty that is about to turn the Giants into an extremely tough team to play against.

On a side note, I hope that you have enjoyed reading FANTALYTICS as much as I have in writing them, and hope that I have provided you with some insight, entertainment and an opinion that may have contributed in making your fantasy season a joy. I truly love them bringing to you and look forward to another exciting seasons’ worth in 2010.

With that being said, it’s time to buckle up folks as the final FANTALYTICS of 2009 is upon us!!!

Read the cases for Bumgarner vs Strasburg vs Feliz now on Fantalytics!

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By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Derek Holland – Starting Pitcher (SP/RP)

WaiverSharks Editor Scott Woodall’s newest Ranger player "bromance" is with todays DEEP suggestion. Scott feels Arlington's Derek Holland could be a force to reckon with down the fantasy baseball stretch, right into the playoffs, and certainly is warranting serious looks from keeper leaguers for 2010!

Fortunately for the Texas Rangers, they have had the benefit of having players not really viewed as relevant turn into real big leaguers this season, which has them in the mix for the post-season.

After years of struggling with less-than-stellar pitching, the Rangers now find themselves in the top five of many of the team pitching categories.

This former 25th round pick had a great deal of success leading up to his major league debut this season and after having a tough time coming out of the ‘pen, he appears to have solidified a role in the Rangers rotation.

Holland has turned in a pair of solid outings against inner-division rivals (complete game three-hitter vs. Anaheim and an 8.2 IP near complete game gem versus the Mariners two starts prior) and increased his effectiveness allowing the Rangers to rid themselves of the always under-achieving Vincente Padilla, instilling a further vote of confidence in this 22-year old.

While adding him for a spot start, or simply keeping an eye on him to understand his draft position for next year is the intention of throwing his name out there, Holland has some goods for deep leagues to be valuable for the remainder of 2009.

The DYNASTY

Junichi Tazawa –Pitcher (SP/RP)

After completing a successful high-school career, Tazawa went undrafted to the Nippon Professional League and decided to sign with a corporate company team, Nippon Oil.

He dominated over the course of the season and continued his dominance throughout the national corporate championships (10-1, 1.02 ERA, 95K) and decided to attempt a move to the U.S. to continue his career.

Upon his arrival, this 23-year old rolled along to a 9-5 record, with a 2.57 ERA while pitching in AA-Portland and was called up to AAA-Pawtucket and while his record was 0-2, he pitched extremely well (2.38 ERA, 6K/BB ratio while holding hitters to a .184 BA.

He was developing so well, that when the Red Sox decided to end the John Smoltz era, he was promoted to “The Show” and after a relief appearance, made his first start against the Detroit Tigers August 11th.

He was effective in holding the Tigers to only four hits while striking out six and was awarded with his first big league win.

Tazawa may experience success his first time through line-ups; however, he will need to do some work to polish up his delivery and create more deception with his pitches. He typically uses a fastball and curve to stifle hitters, and is working on a slider.

His blend of speeds and breaking balls can be tough to locate for his opposition; however, we have seen success stories of Japanese pitchers turn into a nightmare once professional hitters become accustomed to their pitching style. (Look no further than new Sox teammate Dice-K)

Expect him to challenge for a full-time roster spot, or assume a Justin Masterson type role in 2010, but keep an eye on him for the remainder of this season and enjoy.

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The Deep

Madison Bumgarner – Starting Pitcher

It was originally thought that the 2009 season would be used to prepare this North Carolina phenom with the experience to ready him for a shot at a 2010 roster spot. And perhaps the Giants will stay par with the coarse, despite the Southpaws obvious looming talent.

After just celebrating his 20th birthday, this potential San Francisco Giants future star may need to debut in the bigs slightly ahead of schedule; if only to provide him with some form of challenge. Even a small cup of coffee might give us a glimpse as to how well the youngster's stuff stacks up against some Big League Chew.

After breezing through his first minor league season (15-3, 1.46 ERA, 164K, only 21BB and a 0.93 WHIP) Bumgarner picked up where he left and was quickly sped through to AA-Connecticut where he has continued his dominance. His K’s are down a bit, but his goods are still out of this world.

This tall lefty has the confidence to throw inside without caution or concern and has a mix of speeds in his pitches (commonly depends on his fastball and change-up, but also has a curve that has improved greatly since joining the Giants farm system, as well as a still developing slider) that will make him a truly effective starter for years to come.

Francisco has really done a great job in accumulating a talented group of young arms. With “The Freak” Tim Lincecum, Matt “Heads-Up David Wright” Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, already in the mix (along with vets like Barry “Slowly becoming effective again” Zito, and not to mention Noah “Will he ever pitch again?” Lowry) the Giants appear to have a bright future ahead.

Furthermore, with a 1-2 punch of Lincecum & “the Bum” Cy Young’s hardware could remain in the city by the Bay for many more years to come.

The Shallow

Ervin Santana – Starting Pitcher

Not exactly the type of follow up season to his incredible breakout 2008 season where the enigmatic 26-year old tossed his way to career highs in wins (16), IP (219) and CG’s (2) as well as career lows in ERA (3.49), WHIP (1.12) BB’s (47) and BAA (.237) which would lead us all to believe that he would continue this success and development.

Heading into this season, Santana started the season on the DL with an elbow injury and missed the first month of the season which in the world of pitching usually leans to disaster more than success. You see, pitchers need to find their groove and that is what Spring Training does for them, it allows them to get to their comfort zone. Unfortunately, it has taken the San Cristobal , Dominican native much longer to get to that happy place.

Fortunately, the fantasy world is extremely forgiving and while his ERA is still tough to swallow and even though his velocity is a bit down (reports are that his fastball and slider has lost about four or five MPH with frequency, which has affected his K rates, as well as all peripherals. His last three outings, (one of which was a complete game three-hit gem against a tough Tampa Bay attack) have allowed his W/L record to hit the .500 mark for the first time this season.

He still needs to work on his control, but seems to be missing bats with more frequency of late, which is a good indication that he is regaining some of the confidence and form. At 83% owned in Yahoo! Leagues you may be too late; however, there are still some leagues out there where Santana may be available. There is a nice benefit of grabbing a player when they are peaking heading into the fantasy playoffs, so good luck!

The Shallow & The Deep Editorial Note:
In a preview of what we will be focusing on more, as the remainder of the 2009 Fantasy Baseball season slowly winds down, here is the introductory: DEEP & DYNASTY WaiverSharks.com recommendations.

With the 2009 season entering the playoff push, as most leagues trade deadlines and roster locks approach, we figured a shift to players of value for the 2010 season is in order. So Keeper & Dynasty Leaguers take note, as we enter the most important time of the year for you to pay attention.

While I totally understand how difficult this is going to be with Fantasy Football drawing more of your time and focus, you have to realize that this is the time of year that savvy owners get their bread buttered. Risks are what make winners, and getting to know the names of the next great fantasy player in their brief September call-up can only assist you in etching your name on your leagues trophy.

The Deep

Neftali Feliz – Starting/Relief Pitcher

Currently being used as a reliever, on a all of the sudden strong Texas Rangers pitching committee, Feliz has thrusted himself onto the scene after many thought he would challenge for a rotation spot earlier in the season.

With the emergence of other arms (enter Feldman, Holland, Nippert and Hunter) it has allowed the Rangers give Feliz some extra time as he wasn’t dominating the minor league ranks as previously assumed he would.

Yet to give up a free pass, while striking out 16, this Dominican product has been absolutely unhittable. The hard-throwing righty has held hitters to a .088 BA while giving up only three hits and one earned run (a HR off the bat of Adam Kennedy of all people!) through 10 IP. It appears that his first time against opposition, he’s got the stuff that will give hitter nightmares.

Throw in his vulture save against the Red Sox and this kid has been a delight to owners who jumped on him ahead of the rest of the fantasy world.

Most feel that he will challenge for a rotation spot next season; however, he may be better suited as an intriguing closer in an organization that hasn’t had a nail down closer for several seasons. It would be somewhat of a shame to see him only pitch in an inning or so a game, but his repertoire may be more appropriate to be the one receiving handshakes after the final out.

One way or the other, Neftali Feliz is already fantasy worthy in 2009, the sky is the limit for next season.

The Deeper

…we’re talking "Dynasty Leaguers"

Martin Perez – Starting Pitcher

Why would we talk about a kid with a 1991 birthday? Can a kid this age be fantasy worthy a full three years before being allowed to legally drink in the U.S. ? (Well, he is from Venezuela and we all know how the drinking age works in that neck of the woods…) I digress.

Regardless, Perez is not your typical 18-year old, as he has already racked up over 150 IP in his minor-pro career pitching career en route to being a feature starter in what is becoming a free-range pitching farm in Texas.

After an impressive 15 start stint to open his career in time at low-level A Spokane, where he went only 1-2, but had a 3.65 ERA, while punching out 7.7 batters/9 IP, the left-handed hurler made the jump to regular A-Ball Hickory where he experienced continued growth.

Through 95+ innings he put up a 5-5 W/L record, an impressive 2.31 ERA and raised his K/9IP number to an astounding 10.7. He did this, while also garnering more control lowering his BB by nearly 1BB/9 IP (4.1 to 3.2).

Perez is impressive because he doesn’t have intimidating “triple-digit” fastball, (but still throws mid-90’s) but uses location and a mix of movement to lock the knees of opposing batters. To “get it” at such a young age is a testament to his work ethic.

Some have compared him to a hybrid of Johan Santana and Greg Maddux, which may make the expectations put on this kid a bit high; however, should he continue to develop his stuff and work on lowering his WHIP, Perez should create quite a logjam of pitching talent in the heat of Texas.

The Shallow

Carlos Guillen – 1B/3B/Outfield (LF)

Thankfully, hitting left-handed has always been the stronger suit for this aging Tiger, as an ailing shoulder will limit, if not end his days of switch-hitting, if only for the remainder of the season.

So after having much success, the multi-position eligible Guillen struggled out of the gates and has had injuries crawl up and suck the life out of his once prominent bat. So why then are we mentioning him here? Well, his versatility alone makes him a more valuable add in deep leagues, as he can shift into multiple positions upon a day off for an everyday bat.

Also, he is hitting slightly over .300 over the last month, while displaying a bit of power (4 HRs, 14 RBIs) while getting on base at a .383 clip. Not too shabby for a guy that many proclaimed his career was over after his struggles early on.

Another item that makes Guillen valuable, even with the addition of Aubrey Huff, is the fact that the Tigers could use as many bats as possible, especially left-handed bats.

Their offense is hit or miss and after going a big 0-16 with RISP on Sunday against the Royals, it’s apparent that they will continue to struggle if the hot hands don’t come around. Expect Guillen to compliment that surge as he will finish strong, salvaging something from the 2009 campaign.

By the way Tigers fans, September 13th is PAWS Bobbleheadday at Comerica Park! It’s the last Bobblehead Day of the year for the Detroit Tigers – and will be given out to ALL Kids 14 and under when the Tigers play host to the visiting Toronto Blue Jays.

The Deep

Justin Masterson – Starting Pitcher

Effective in a spot start, slash long reliever, Masterson finally has the opportunity to show his stuff in a starters’ role. While he seems to be on a pitch count, or at least has his innings pitched being watched like a hawk, this former 2nd round pick can look to throw his name into fantasy relevance in Cleveland where the re-build is obviously in full effect.

Blocked in development in Beantown, Cleveland will give Masterson the opportunity to develop into a top-end rotation arm, and while he faltered a bit, (alright, alright, he got hammered in Minnesota ) he should still be able to give fantasy owners a bit of what they need against favorable opposition.

This 24-year old has shown fairly decent control to this point, improving on his career 1.7K/BB ratio by upping to a more healthy 2.44 total. However, he did look nervous against the Twins, and while we all know how intimidating playing in the Metrodome can be, should he struggle with his control (5BB in 3.1 IP) a return to a bullpen role, at least for the remainder of the season, could be in order.

One way or the other, as a DEEP shark, Masterson is finally in the long term plans of a major league organization as a starting pitcher, so expect him to prove the rest of the way this season, where he will fall in the pecking order come 2010.

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By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Gio Gonzalez – Starting Pitcher (SP)

I suppose as a fantasy owner, I jumped off of the Gio-Train after he just killed me last season, laboring himself through seven starts to the tune of a 7.68 ERA and a WHIP of 1.68! YIKES.

What was frustrating about Gonzalez was the fact that through nearly 5 seasons of Minor League ball, he racked up 705 K’s through 615.1 IP for an extremely impressive and downright dominant 10.31 K/9IP and I just knew that the talent was there.

Now we all realize that this doesn’t always translate into major league success; however, he struggled mightily with his control and while his K’s were still around 1/IP he gave up 9 HR’s nearly a run an inning and lacked any control at all.

Many, including myself thought that the hype-machine was too easily set in motion.

Fast forward to 2009 and unfortunately the left handed Florida native picked up right where he started as his ERA swelled to new heights reaching 9.33 after a horrible outing against Minnesota .

Before I totally throw Gio under the bus, let’s take a snapshot of his past four starts. Let me first acknowledge that those four starts were not against “powder cake” offenses either, as he started at New York , at Boston , home versus Texas and another roadie versus Baltimore . His line in those matches: (three hitters parks may I add…) 24.2 IP, 3W, 1.46 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 26K.

That’s an impressive line in any four starts, not just against three AL East competitors. So, at this point in time, one has to wonder if he has just started to figure it out and decided just to go out there and pitch, or if this stretch is to get you to buy in.

Be cautious, conservative and realize that at any moment he could turn back into a Homer Bailey clone.

Regardless, with most leagues SP waiver wires looking about as thin as Alexei Ramirez standing next to David Ortiz, he could be a late season addition worthy of your mouse click.

The Shallow

Ryan Madson – Relief Pitcher (Closer Handcuff?)

With the way that Brad Lidge has followed up his perfect 2008 season, you have to wonder what it is that allows a pitcher with such tremendous goods as he can make the game so difficult.

Reeling through a 41-for-41 season and closing out games en route to a World Series title, Lidge has been; well, for lack of a better term, awful in 2009.

Enter Ryan Madson, who has at times been considered as a closer in his own right, (He resembles a kooky closer here with his “glove hat” on) and in spot save duty has been dominant. Typically used a set-up man in his career, Madson may be called upon more frequently should the troubles of Brad Lidge continue.

Through 54+ innings, Madson has a respectable 3.1K/BB ratio and with the subtraction of a tough late June/early July (three losses, three blown saves and four of the five total HR’s that he has given up in a two-week span) Madson has been phenomenal.

Not necessarily dominant you may think, as indicated by his 3.13 ERA, should we subtract that two-week speed bump performance and this tall, lean California kid would have a 1.85 ERA.

Can he handle the pressure as a closer? That remains to be seen; regardless, managers in need of rogue saves and/or a roster spot open may want to add him now while he’s readily available.

FANTALYTICS – VOLUME 10

Wandy Rodriguez (30) vs. Scott Richmond (29) vs. Randy Wells (26) vs. J.A. Happ (26) vs. Jeff Niemann (26)

The other day I was going over the statistics of this season, in attempts to determine what I can do to make a push for the Fantasy League playoffs, when something sort of jumped out at me. With the real season at slowly climbing over the 100 games played mark, I recognized that there are an unusually high number of pitchers over the age of 26 that are experiencing their first taste of success.

Now, many may argue a name or two out of the five that I have selected for this edition of FANTALYTICS; however, truth be told, I easily could have added several other names.

This season has been an interesting one with many premiere SP disappointments (ah-hem…Cole Hamels, Francisco Liriano, Rich Harden, Carlos Zambrano, Scott Baker to name a few) and unfortunately for wide-eyed pre-season daydreamers, the list could go on and on. That isn’t even taking into consideration the always annoying injuries that derail any hopes of a successful campaign that tend to affect many managers long term plans. (see Brandon Webb, Jake Peavy, John Lackey, Scott Kazmir, Dice-K for quick reference)

Thankfully, surprise success stories can assist savvy fantasy managers, willing to take chances; so, in honor of that I have decided to throw the names of these roster saving heroes into a hat for this, the 10th edition of FANTALYTICS.

For some that are experiencing DL angst and are sitting on the fantasy playoff fence, hopefully this edition will open up another window of opportunity as it is tough to pry a Roy Halladay, or Tim Lincecum type at this stage of the season. Our hopes are to give you the gusto to potentially add one of the names on this list which may provide your squad with the boost that is necessary to surpass the competition, giving your team that well earned shot at post-season glory.

Read the rest of this article here!