25. Daisuke Matsuzaka - Boston Red Sox (25 years old)
In six seasons with the Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League, Matsuzaka
averaged 8.68 K/9, 3.24 BB/9, and 0.66 HR/9 in support of a 2.94 ERA. The
man reportedly has six quality pitches. For perspective, realize that
most Major League pitchers finally “get it” when they master a third
pitch. It’s unrealistic to expect Matsuzaka to be an instant Ace, but
there’s no reason for him not to settle in as an above-average third
pitcher. Either way, you absolutely gamble on his upside.
Daisuke Matsuzaka 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
22
|
22
|
11
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
145
|
65
|
59
|
40
|
120
|
1.22
|
3.69
|
26. Gil Meche - Kansas City
Royals (27 years old)
The newest member of the "How the hell is he worth $40 million!" club
was the beneficiary of a ridiculously thin pitching market. On the one
hand, he does strikeout a fair number of batters. On the other he's now
playing for the ever rebuilding Royals, has a tendency to give up the long
ball, and walks way too many batters. I'll pass.
Gil Meche 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
31
|
31
|
8
|
14
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
179
|
105
|
96
|
83
|
149
|
1.54
|
4.83
|
27. Nate Robertson - Detroit
Tigers (28 years old)
Robertson is a .500 pitcher who has gotten better every year for the past three
years. He strikes out six batters a game, and has walked roughly 66 batters in
each of the last three seasons. It's startling how consistent he is when
you look at his last three years. He's essentially Mark Buehrle with better
strikeouts, a better G/F ratio, and less run support. Maybe the addition
of Gary Sheffield can get him to 15 wins this season.
Nate Robertson 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
32
|
32
|
14
|
10
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
205
|
112
|
103
|
66
|
128
|
1.37
|
4.52
|
28. Justin Verlander - Detroit
Tigers (24 years old)
Verlander was very good last year, as was evidenced by his team leading 17 wins
and 3.63 ERA. But his peripherals don't pop out at you like Jered Weaver.
Additionally his workload was dramatically higher than the previous season,
which according to a study done by SI's Tom Verducci, tends to cause pitchers
to experience serious regression the following season. Don't overpay for this
one.
Justin Verlander 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
28
|
28
|
14
|
7
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
170
|
88
|
81
|
54
|
118
|
1.36
|
4.31
|
