Neftali Feliz (RP—Rangers) There is nothing like a good, old fashioned Texas barbecue. And the Rangers now have someone coming out of their bullpen that is bringing the fire. Neftali Feliz can throw heat! Flaming, red-hot fastballs that consistently border on 100 mph. Perhaps considered the #1 prospect in the Rangers system, Feliz has struck out 325 batters over the course 276 innings in his minor league career. He has also averaged over 10 strikeout per nine innings. While he certainly isn’t unhittable, he is only 21 years old has is still developing and filling out his frame which is currently at 6’3” and 180 lbs. Imagine if he gets stronger with time, what that fastball may do. For now, the Rangers will be using him out of the bullpen, but he has also been a starting pitcher in the minors. And while he isn’t in a closer role…yet, he is a good pick up if your league tracks holds. And for goodness sake, if you are in a keeper league and he is still available, pick him up now, before it’s too late.
Chris Tillman (SP—Orioles) Someday in the not to distant future, the Orioles are going to have a very good team. They already have a strong nucleus that is forming and with a little more experience, they will certainly find themselves as contenders. One of those pieces that figures to be integral in the near future is Chris Tillman. Tillman is one of a several talented pitchers that are making their way through the Orioles farm system to the Major Leagues. After his first start, Major League hitters were not exactly putting out the welcome mat for Tillman as they have been less than kind. On Saturday, Tillman faired far better even though he walked away with a no decision. He allowed 2 ER over the course of 6.2 innings and was able to trim his bloated ERA to a more palatable, but still high 5.19 ERA. In the minors, Tillman has been a power pitcher, averaging better than a strikeout per inning and a terrific 3.81 K/99 ratio in Norfolk triple A this year. Like many of the Oriole players there will be some aches and pains as they mature. For Tillman, he may not be ready to be added to your regular lineup just yet, but keep a watch out for him. And by all means sure he is headed in long-term keeper leagues as he is a must have.
Erik Bedard (OF—Mariners) This seems to be the never ending story for Erik Bedard as he may be shut down for the year as an MRI revealed “something” in his shoulder. This has been a typical scenario for Bedard fantasy owners as they have put there hopes in him, only to have him come down with injury or some other mysterious ailement that prevents him from taking the mound on a consistent basis. It’s a shame too, as he has an enormous amount of talent and could be one of the best pitchers in the AL. If Bedard’s season is indeed finished, it will mark the second time in as many seasons that Bedard has not been able to complete 100 innings on the year. Ironically, he would also finish with his best ERA at 2.82 and still maintains a career K/9 of almost 9 strikeouts per game and a career opponent BA of .244 against him (.212 for 2009). Monitor Bedard’s progress closely. Depending on the news, you may need to explore other options and drop him. In keeper leagues, it’s a risky proposition holding onto Bedard going forward as he may never really provide the potential expected of him and it seems that “something” will always come up. Bedard is certainly proving he’s not worth the value or the headache.
Clayton Mortensen (SP—Oakland) Clayton Mortensen made his second Major League appearance on Saturday and his very first Major League start. The last time we saw young Mortensen he was pitching for the Cardinals back on June 29th and he didn’t fair very well, pitching 3 innings and leaving with a hearty WHIP of 2.00 and a very fat ERA of 6.00. This time out against the Royals, Mortensen didn’t do any better. In fact, he did worse, allowing 8 ER over 4 innings with his ERA ballooning to 12.86. In the minors, Mortensen has shown to be a fairly strong strikeout pitcher but like most strikeout pitchers, he suffers from a lack of control where over his minor league career he accumulated a 2.10 K/BB ratio. On Saturday, this was evident as he struck out 5 batters in his 4 innings but also allowed 3 walks. There are several young arms in the Oakland farm system that are certainly worth starting and certainly worth holding onto in keeper leagues. Mortensen’s time may come but it certainly isn’t right now.
Carl Pavano (SP—Twins) Carl Pavano’s season of trying to establish himself as a relevant pitcher again may have just gotten a little boost as he was acquired by the Twins and pitched a stellar game on Saturday. Making the change from Cleveland to Minnesota should provide Pavano with an opportunity for more wins, but he will have to be more consistent from start to start if he is going to appeal to any fantasy owner that may be inclined to pick him up. He did an excellent job in his outing prior to Saturday, pitched 8 innings and allowing 1 ER, but he was awful his previous two starts to that. On Saturday he was better than expected making his Twin debut, pitching 7 scoreless innings, striking out 5, allowing 5 hits and walking no one. Taking a chance of Pavano right now is the equivalent of shooting darts blindfolded: sometimes you miss, sometimes you hit. One aspect to Pavano’s game is that he is a control pitcher, only allowing 23 walks in 130 innings. With a CT of 83%, he will depend on a solid defense behind him and the fundamental Twins could benefit Pavano in that area. He does have an xERA of 4.65, so he has better slightly better than his 5.09 would indicate. Pavano can be a risky option but may be worth spot starting as he could continue to benefit from the move to the Twins cities. But watch the match ups because much of Pavano’s success will mostly likely depend on the strength of team he faces. But if Saturday’s performance is any indication of the way he is heading, his value may be on the rise.
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