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.
document.write(’
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!!!
The Case for Neftali Feliz
As previously written in a Shallow and the Deep, the sky is the limit for this dynamic flame-thrower who has done nothing but impress in the final third of the 2009 season as part of the Rangers bullpen. While the Rangers playoff hopes appear to be dangling by a thread, none of the blame can be attributed to the performance of this young, slender Dominican native as he has been outstanding in all but one appearance.
What’s even more impressive of this 21-year old has been his ability to maintain composure. While he hasn’t been placed in too many situations that would be considered as high-pressure, he has shot down the opposition with the style and dominance of a long-time veteran of the game. This audition has surely placed a message to Rangers ownership and management that come 2010, the name (and arm of for that matter) Neftali Feliz belongs in their rotation. A transition to the rotation isn’t always as seamless as many would think or hope; however, Feliz has a naturally gifted arm that makes his pitches look effortless.
His statistics are outlandish, keeping pace with the efforts expressed in our first article on him, by striking out 35, while giving up only five walks for a 7:1 ratio. Oh, and did I mention that hitters are swinging a .121 AVG. against him, totaling a WHIP of an obscene 0.60! Look, I understand that these stats are a representation of 26.2 IP; however, we can’t ignore how intriguing this kid has been. We should all be so blessed to have a kid at this age come through for our home teams, and pray that for some reason, it’s due to the fact that teams haven’t been able to do enough homework on him.
To this point, in a strange twist resisting to follow the norm, only Oakland has been able to touch him up a bit with his ERA swelling when he faces the usually light hitting A’s.
Ah yes, 2010 will be a big season for this hard-thrower, as if you haven’t heard of him yet, you certainly will.
The Case for Madison Bumgarner
With a name like Madison Bumgarner, it’s kind of hard not to um…garner attention. Fortunately for this this left-handed talent, the attention thrust his way has been nothing but love. Now, in 2010 it’s time for some fantasy love as he will more than likely play into the starting rotation of what is turning into a very impressive starting five.
Recently called-up following the celebration of his 20th birthday, after a near full season of downright supremacy at the High-A and AA level, this North Carolinian got his first career start against a shallow Padres line-up on September 8th. While he didn’t dominate per se, he did pitch fairly well going 5.1 innings in a no-decision, while giving up five hits, striking out four and giving up only two runs. (both solo bombs off the bats of Chase Headley and Kevin Kouzmanoff)
Bumgarner throws a lot of strikes and uses a nice blend of speeds to keep hitters on their toes. He’s not afraid to come inside and displays a huge amount of confidence in his stuff as he can throw his fastball, change-up and breaking ball with effectiveness and consistency. Surely at only 20 years of age, he will continue to develop and if he is managed properly, he could become part of the best rotations baseball has ever seen. With Tim Lincecum already hitting the scene, the oft “forgotten in the mix” Matt Cain, (and his 13 wins, and 2.71 ERA) Jonathan Sanchez, with his “I’m incredible since throwing my no-hitter” attitude, as well as a seemingly re-born Barry Zito (and his impressive 3.94 ERA with 10 wins), the Giants are a truly interesting team for the upcoming season.
The Giants may however decide to hold off another season and let “The Bummer” develop and continue his authority against the lesser beings that the minor leagues offer, and rather prep him for a full-time role (pending injury to any of their top-tier performers) in 2011. That is the only concern that I have in stamping my approval for him being “The man” in this list, as his ETA may be pushed, only hindered by a lesser necessity, and not obviously based on talent.
The Case for Stephen Strasburg
After finally signing “The Next Great Pitching Talent” to his first major league contract, many thought that they’d be seeing him throw on the threads of the Nationals prior to the closing of the 2009 season. Smartly, the Nats’ (not that those words have ever really belonged in the same sentence…OUCH!) chose to hold off on this “once in a lifetime” phenom until the opening of next season, and instead will display his goods in the Arizona Fall League once the MLB season closes.
The unfortunate truth is that should he fail even slightly, or not turn into the dominant top-tier ace of the rotation that he has been projected to be, it may be considered a failure. The pressure is certainly on him at this point and that is a tough pill to swallow for many. I see this kid from San Diego, as having the typical California persona though and that speaks well for his transition. He will be able to handle this and the fact that he will be doing it for the cellar dwelling Nationals can only help the evolution. Imagine if this were taking place in the Bronx, putting on the pinstripes how overwhelming the pressure would be?
While the attendance figures in D.C. will more than likely double (or even triple…) when Stras toes the hill, the expectation will be an exciting boost to a franchise that is in desperate need of enhancement. The ability to be a franchise savior will challenge him to be at his best and the desire to become a winner will hopefully overshadow the fact that he will never ever have to worry about another payday in his life. Throwing 102 MPH isn’t a gift that many can brag about. In fact, you can count on one hand the amount of professional arms that can do it with consistency; however, throw in the fact that he has a deceiving curveball, defying slider and slow-moving change, his ability to mix speeds and inability to miss the plate as his accuracy is extremely impressive. He basically controls the game with his stuff and that is something that can’t be said about too many young prospects prior to understanding how to pitch. We should all be excited and not give into the hype and cast him off. Give him a shot and simply watch and enjoy.
FANTALYTICS FINAL CALL
Unfortunately, one of these studs cream rises to the top higher than the others and while I usually hate to go along with what the rest of the world suggests, always attempting to be bold, confident and cocky in my own prophecies. This season, I have gone against the trend with success, some failure, and some near embarrassment, but I wouldn’t change a thing with how I have foreshadowed the season.
However; on this occasion, I must be a lemming and select none other than Mr. Stephen J. Strasburg as my dynamic, most impactful “young gun” heading into the 2010 season. Yes, it is about as shocking as me boldly prognosticating that Brandon Inge will never, EVER hit over .250 again in his career. Or, suggesting that Chipper Jones will never, EVER get 500 AB’s ever again! Or that while Todd Helton did in fact put together a decent season, his relevance in the world of fantasy can only be considered mildly interesting.
I know, I know, I feel like a schmutz, unfortunately, even if this guy turns out half as good as he was en route to being the most sought after first overall pick in the history of baseball, it will still be quite a career to write about. Yes, many “sure-fire”, “can’t miss” arms have come our way (see Mark Prior) and most have failed. I’m fully confident that this hard-throwing dynamo will continue to seek and achieve success at the highest level of competition. Even playing for the smelly Nats’ in the nations’ capital, Stras will outpitch, outwit and outlast the other two names in a battle of “Survivor” proportions.
N.L. Rookie of the Year candidate? Definitely. Future N.L. Cy Young winner? My magic 8-ball is strongly suggesting that this is likely. Of course I’m having fun, but to be realistic, the kid from San Diego State University is in fact about as real deal as you can get. Kudos to the other lads in their attempt to dethrone the Rookie stud arm of 2010, but coming up short in this competition may be a bit more drastic than in years past.
Fearless Forsyth 2010 Season Foreshadow : (25 Starts) 156 IP, 11W, 182K, 49BB, 3.07ERA, 1.11WHIP
Editors Note: This brings to close another fun filled season of fantasy baseball advice and predictions.
Once again Cubbies fans need to take solace in the fact that even though you’re once again not #1 this year…
There’s always next year! …The End.
