MLB -- Undervalued Starting Pitchers

[zkr4]

(04-14-2012 10:11 AM)Skating Tripods Wrote:  

(04-14-2012 10:05 AM)zkr4 Wrote:  Sorry Handicapper, you've had great, informative posts that I have learned from, but please dude for the love of God don't put you're confidence in that prick Derek Lowe.

Why not? Had a 3.37 BB/9 last year, second highest of his career, that's unlikely to continue. Didn't have a great defense behind him (not that he does here either). He's walked 1 guy in 13.2 IP so far and has induced 30 GB outs. Indians radio guys said yesterday that Lowe had problems with the heat in Atlanta, said he likes being in cooler climates. They didn't expand on that, but I imagine it has something to do with his endurance and his ability to grip the baseball. Those humid conditions aren't helpful for a sinker baller. That's how they throw flat sinkers and get under their delivery.

His ERA to FIP/xFIP told me all I needed to know. Even with his second highest walk rate, his FIP was a run and a half lower than his ERA.

Loved that trade when it was made last November, love it even more now.

Doesn't hold a whole lot of fantasy value, but you know he'll be underrated in the betting market, at least for a few more starts. I doubt many people think this is anything more than a fluke. His stuff is dancing through the first two starts. He looked rejuvenated.

He'll frustrate you as a bettor because sometimes balls won't be hit right at guys, but he's going to battle, and that's what you want, especially if he's a plus-money dog.

Yes, he had endurance problems, he had problems even getting past the 5th inning last year(the last couple years actually). Braves actually got to a point where they'd leave him in there to implode, I guess trying to convince Front Office people he is no longer a legit option in our rotation.

No disrespect, but I hope the dude falls flat on his face. That's personal though, I've met the dude and he is a first-rate mf'er. But that's not the only reason I post against him.

I'm going on the eye test here, I have watched 120+ games a year for forever, but especially the past few years. I've seen too many times, and not just home starts with the southern heat, d lowe will QUIT. He has bad body language, he hangs that sinker too much and it'll look like fireworks right out his hand.

Not trying to trash your team dude, but we give up a former World Series standout for nothing pretty much and still ate $10mil and the city of ATL celebrated that day.

But I will say this, no emotion involved, if he has anything left in the tank, he goes through these 2-4 game stretches where that sinker is NASTY. If you see he has a really good grip in a start, and the Indians are playing with a good infield defense, it may be worth taking a stab with him at +money. GL