By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Ryan Roberts – 2B/3B/OF (LF)

A flaming hot August has allowed this tattooed wonder to thrust his name into fantasy significance.

With the dealing of Felipe Lopez opening up a nightly roster spot, Roberts has used his “toolsy” abilities and timely hitting to grab a large quantity of available at-bats. While getting the opportunity is one thing, it’s what the product of Fort Worth, Texas has done with the opportunity that has impressed fantasy guru’s world-wide. We pause a moment to note our friend sites: If you are interested in sports betting, use NFL point spread to make more money.

After going .352 with four homers and 12 RBI, (along with a .443 OBP & 1.004 OPS) for the month of August, Roberts is putting in a bid for consideration in making next year’s starting roster out of spring training. After minimal exposure through three seasons, (bouncing from Toronto to Texas to ‘Zona) the former 18th round pick finally seems to have found a home.

Still a deep option, Double-R has a touch of speed and the multi-position eligibility is always a blessing for weeks when you need to shift around due to roster expansion. The D-Backs offense has survived on hot bats all season, why should using this situation be considered anything different?

The DYNASTY

Brandon Allen – 1B (poss. OF)

This recently acquired bulky left-handed hitting former prep linebacker was once considered as the heir apparent to Paul Konerko in the Windy City .

Times change, and with that so does Kenny Williams plans as the future was dealt for the present to bring in some bullpen help in Chi-Town as this 23-year old prospect was dealt for Tony Pena. Since the deal, Allen accelerated his value and has worked his way up to getting a share of the first base duties since arriving in the desert.

Plugging away since the age of 18 in the White Sox system with limited success (.264-84-347 in over 2100 AB’s), the move to the Diamondbacks top affiliate in Reno of the Pacific Coast League has seemed to give him the fresh start that may have been the medicine needed.

Chad Tracy was rumored to be dealt all season long has been awful enough not to garner enough interest for a deal; however, with him not in the long term plans of the snakes, it’s probable that Allen is getting a taste of the everyday life in hopes that he will be prepared for a 2010 starting gig.

The former 5th rounder has worked on his eye at the dish, lowering his K totals to a respectable 1.7K/BB ratio and become a greater contact hitter. He has great extra-base power and could settle in as a 25+ HR type that could also swing for 40+ doubles with regularity. He’s got a great situation unfolding for him in the hot desert, keep him on the radar as 2010 could be his breakout.

The Shallow & The Deep Special ODE TO THE A’s Edition

By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Rajai Davis – Outfield (CF/RF)

This former 38th-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates has loved the move to the American League and while it was just a short trip across the San Francisco Bay , it has totally revived this talented speedster.

Thriving in O-Town, Davis has been a force to be reckoned with since the All-Star break, thrashing the opposition at a .326 clip. With little to non-existent power, Rajai does his damage on the base paths by running wild and helping the A’s and their humble offense create runs.

In his 92 appearances, the 28-year old Connecticut native is 29-for-37 (78%) in stolen base attempts, which puts him ahead of some premium base running threats; such as: Curtis Granderson (77%), Ichiro (75%), Shane Victorino (75%) and Chone Figgins (74%) to name a few. If at some point he is given the full green light, Davis could swipe 50+ bags in a full season.

Davis will however need to improve his output within his own division if he plans to take it to the next level. He has struggled against AL West foes, Anaheim , Seattle and Texas , hitting only .234 (15/64) this season.

Have no fear though, as regardless of this information, Davis definitely has all the ingredients to be a nice speed add to your roster as the season comes to a close and deserves consideration as a late round speed pick in your 2010 draft.

The Deeper

Cliff Pennington – Shortstop

A prototypical Oakland A’s type player, Pennington isn’t going to amaze too many out there with outlandish, eye-popping statistics. I think that it is fair to say that with this former Texas A & M shortstop, what you see is what you get.

Although he raked at college, (which lead to his first round selection, 21st overall) hitting to the tune of .346 in his three years at A & M, Pennington’s transition to pro ball hasn’t been without a hitch. Needless to say, while he won’t be a liability with the twig, to assume that he will have a plus .330 batting average wouldn’t be fair.

As a matter of fact, the light-hitting prospect will probably settle in around the 260-.275 range year-to-year (currently hitting .263 with the big club through 95 AB’s), be a solid contact hitter that doesn’t strikeout a lot and has a good eye at the dish (nearly a 1:1 BB:K ratio). Simply stated, Pennington can put the ball in play, throw down a bunt when necessary and play sound defense. All are elements that have made the career of Oakland GM Billy Beane such a success.

The 25-year old Texan has a touch of speed and can be counted on for double digit swipes, even upwards of 25+ if given the chance to run with regularity. Not keeper-esque numbers all around per se; but definitely someone not to allow fly completely under the radar at a tough fantasy position moving into 2010. It appears as if the current audition to finish this season is to prepare him for the job which may officially be his to lose now that Orlando Cabrera is out of the picture.

The DYNASTY

Brett Wallace – Third Base

The key member of the Matt Holliday deal, Wallace is sure to give the A’s a push to have him on their 2010 opening day roster. One simple indication could be their need for another power bat, as Oakland currently has only three active roster players with more than six home runs! Yes, that’s right, SIX HR’s. Free-swinging Jack Cust and his 145 whiffs has 20, Kurt Suzuki has 11 knocks and Adam Kennedy with 10 are the only A’s players to circle the bases with even a hint of regularity.

Enter this hot-corner blue chipper that the Cards’ certainly didn’t want to dish; however, in order to get a player of Holliday’s caliber was more than likely the only way to the Billy Beane would pull the trigger. With 18 long balls this season, spread through AA and two-AAA teams, Wallace is showing signs of comfort at the plate as well as his .298 career minor league average would indicate through nearly 700 AB’s.

Wallace has average defensive skills and could even be more comfortable as a first baseman. I’m sure that Daric Barton (or future FANTALYTICS article member) Chris Carter would have something to say about that. One way or the other, the A’s are at least looking to add more young talent to their mix in hopes of shaking off the struggles of the past three seasons. Expect this California kid to be considered a major cog in that development, bringing this small market dynamo back to the top of the AL West.

By Scott Woodall

The Deep

Chris Davis - First base/Third Base

We suppose you knew Scott Feldman would have more value then Chris Davis going into 2009!? As I look back on another zany year of Fantasy Baseball I felt a fitting final recommendation on 2009 from yours truly would be the Rangers Chris Davis.

The Texas left hander has been one of the biggest let downs of the 2009 fantasy season (Guilty! We even had him picked for a bigger, better breakout year then our Canadian friend Joey Votto!) But, alas - with a month left of baseball, there is perhaps still hopes of redemption from the towering Texan.

Sure, maybe not to those of us who snapped him up in early rounds back in March drafts. (Uggg!) But to a wise owner who understands that forward thinking is often required in this game…if Crash Davis was fired to the wire when demoted earlier this summer, and still is available, it’s time for forgiveness grasshopper.

I won’t make any concrete predictions on what he’ll accomplish this September (fool me once…) but suffice to say that at this juncture of the season you won’t find better power potential lurking on any waiver wire.

Yep, I believe that despite Davis being the embodiment of failed hype in 2009…a sense of optimism should ALWAYS be in the back of one’s mind – particularly when it comes to young, healthy 6’4 sluggers who play baseball in a tremendous lineup in small, heat infested ballparks!

Those who refuse to take an occasional leap of faith in fantasy baseball – are often left with nothing to play for in the end. Provided Davis doesn’t windmill his way out of our hearts once again as he takes hold of the everyday first baseman’s job from here on out; the big man could reward gambling owners with some very sweet numbers down the stretch.

The Texas Rangers are still very much in the hunt for a AL Wild Card – and so Ron Washington will tread carefully if another Rob Deer impersonation rears it’s ugly head beyond Labor Day. But we reiterate, a better 1B/3B potential won’t be found at this point, so act swift if you’re like me, and you believe in second chances! Mark Reynolds owners are certainly glad they did!

The Dynasty

Eric Young Jr. – Second Base/OF (Soon)

I’ve been stalking Eric Young all season!

Okay, stalking is too creepy a word, but prior to Ben Zobrist attaining 2B eligibility, and a trade where I attained the speedy Chone Figgins I was starving for a 2B – and preferably one who could net some stolen bags.

I prayed the Rockies would call up Eric Young’s boy wonder Jr. Well, although he’s a tad late to the ball for my 2009 needs – I grabbed him in a keeper league anyways. Hopefully Clint Barmes, like former manager Clint Hurdle – will go away…far far away, so Eric Young can attain enough games to gain 2B eligibility in 2010.

His value for the remainder of this season is extremely difficult to predict. Certainly, the Dexter Fowler injury helped jump start his big league debut and Carlos Gonzalez poorly executed Ginsu knife demonstration has allowed us a sneak peek of the speedster – but playing time may still remain an issue this September.

If you still find yourself like I did back in early May…starving for steals, and Julio Borbon is gone – he may be worth the add, otherwise lets enjoy this Road Runners cup of coffee, and draft him in 2010 based on whether or not he cracks the starting lineup, plays second base, and is awarded the lead off spot in Colorado.

By Adam Forsyth

The DYNASTY

Jason Heyward – Outfield

Some guys, you can just tell they possess the “It” factor. Meet Jason Heyward.

Recently turning 20, Heyward has been tearing it up since joining the Braves farm system, and could be in position to challenge for an OF spot in the 2010 season.

Climbing his way up to AA-Mississippi, Heyward is currently hitting .364 through 130 AB’s, launching six long balls and adding an addition 15 extra base hits (12 doubles and three triples) to round out a .643 SLG. Percentage.

With Garret Anderson only under contract for this season, Heyward will at least post a challenge, along with other super prospect Jordan Shafer for a roster spot. Not overly powerful, he seems to have a bit of everything and being a fairly complete player and will hit for a solid average. Has a touch of speed that will allow the Braves to become a more aggressive team on the base paths.

Expect his arrival sometime in 2010, with the potential to make it out of camp (a la Shafer this season) in a move that may hinder his development. The Braves have been making moves that may provide a little clearance for him to jump in early, so don’t be surprised if he is given every opportunity to lose the roster spot, rather than earn it.

The Deep

Alcides Escobar - Shortstop

Speed, speed and more speed? Yes, that is what you will be getting in this sure-handed shortstop that was originally drafted for his range and glove in the toughest infield position in baseball.

This undrafted Venezuelan has risen to the ranks of above average when it comes to using the stick after the Brew Crew took a chance on a skinny kid that couldn’t really hit much turning into an offensive threat. Now, we’re not going to suggest that he is going to hit .300 anytime soon; however, he could slip into the .280 range and with his stellar glove keeping him in the Brewers line-up, the rest of the talking shows up in the stolen base column.

Swiping 176 bases in five and a half minor league seasons, Escobar currently only has one stolen bag since being called-up; however, with the Brewers not typically known as a running team, (2nd last in the league with 43 SB’s) this slick running middle infielder can be the one to introduce them to that type of game.

With J.J. Hardy out of the mix, it’s been made abundantly clear that the Brewers are ready to move forward with Escobar as their future man at Short.

By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Desmond Jennings – Outfield (CF)

Tampa Bay has been turning into quite a factory of talent in recent years after struggling season after season in the AL East.

Kudos to their scouting team for getting this Alabama talent in the 10th round as Jennings could get the call-up the moment the major league rosters expand in September.

Now, it’s not to get excited as he will probably not get much exposure with the Rays battling the BoSox and Rangers for the AL Wild Card; however, he will at least get his first exposure of major league talent and could surprise some owners.

Blessed with natural speed and a great approach when on base, this contact hitter is a prototypical leadoff hitter as he rarely strikes out and gets on base with regularity. (.386 minor league OBP) A shift to RF may be in order, as BJ Upton plays a steady CF; however, Jennings may have the upside to push his way to a starting day roster next season. Won’t hit for power, but can use his wheels to turn a single into a double and a double into three bases.

Injuries are a bit of a concern, as he hasn’t been able to complete either of the past two seasons, dealing with shoulder and knee injuries. As his body gets more acclimated to playing such a long season; hopefully the wear and tear will be more absorbed by his body.

The DYNASTY

Pedro Alvarez – Third Base

After struggling a bit in High-A-Lynchburg through 66 games, the Pittsburgh Pirates former number two overall pick was still accelerated to the AA-Altoona Curve to continue his progression to the major league.

Since the promotion, it appears that his bat made the trip as he is posting a dramatic increase at the plate that has some believing he may get a shot to show his stuff this season when September opens up rosters. The Pirates continue to decimate their roster and completed their fire sale at the deadline this season leaving only one roster player from their 2008 opening day roster (Ryan Doumit) and pinning their future hopes on a pair of young stud OF’s (McCutchen and Lastings Milledge) to pull them out of this dismal run.

You can add this New York born and raised talent in their resurrection as Alvarez will bring a steady glove, a touch of power and a keen eye at the plate each and every day to the ballpark. He is a contact hitter with some extra base power and should hit for average at the pro level. Considering he is 22-years old, the opportunity for him to make the Pirates squad out of spring training as their starting hot corner man is more probable than giving Andy LaRoche another full season to come through on his “he’s got talent, he’s gotta produce” history.

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.