13. Cole Hamels – Philadelphia Phillies (23 years old)This young left-hander has the stuff to be good for a long time. In his first season with the Phillies last year, Hamels struck out BETTER than a batter per inning, and had a very strong 3.26 K/BB ratio. He gave up 19 homeruns in just 132 innings pitched, which is a bit scary…but taking into consideration all of his other numbers as a rookie, it’s not something to dwell on. His success in 2007 will depend on how well he adjusts to National League hitters seeing him for the second time. His minor league track record and impressive rookie season suggest he should do just fine.
Cole Hamels 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
27
|
27
|
10
|
9
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
154
|
73
|
67
|
65
|
164
|
1.27
|
3.94
|
14. Rich Hill – Chicago Cubs (27 years old)Who is this guy, and why do we have him ranked at #11? Hill has been putting up Playstation numbers in the minors for a few years now, but never managed to pull it together when called up to the parent club…until last season. In the second half of 2006, Hill went 6-3 with a 2.93 ERA, an 8.9 K/9 and a 3.29 K/BB ratio. Those are dominant numbers. If Hill can carry that over to 2007, he could the difference maker on the mound that Cubs fans have always hoped Wood or Prior could be.
Rich Hill 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
26
|
26
|
10
|
8
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
155
|
68
|
63
|
56
|
158
|
1.20
|
3.69
|
15. Bronson Arroyo – Cincinnati Reds (30 years old)Arroyo had an incredible breakout year, moving from the nightmarish AL East to the tame by comparison NL Central. His 3.29 ERA and 184 strikeouts were both career bests. Unfortunately there is nothing in his peripheral stats that suggest he will be able to maintain that kind of production. At 30 years old, it’s most likely that he enjoyed the fruits of seeing NL batters for the first time and getting the added benefit of facing a pitcher instead DH’s like David Ortiz. A fairly strong correction is in order for 2007, so pay accordingly.
Bronson Arroyo 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
32
|
32
|
13
|
12
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
218
|
107
|
99
|
59
|
162
|
1.26
|
4.09
|
16. Chris Capuano – Milwaukee Brewers (28 years old)Capuano had his second straight solid season for the Brewers in 2006. He’s proving to be a pitcher that will consistently provide double digit wins, around 175 strikeouts and an ERA just under 4.00. Capuano took a giant step forward, cutting his walks in half from the previous season. There is room for upside in 2007 as he continues to sharpen his control, especially if he can cut down on the homeruns allowed (29).
Chris Capuano 2007 Projections
|
GP
|
GS
|
W
|
L
|
Sv
|
CG
|
Sho
|
IP
|
RA
|
ER
|
BB
|
K
|
WHIP
|
ERA
|
|
33
|
33
|
11
|
14
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
208
|
111
|
102
|
69
|
168
|
1.31
|
4.42
|
