Rookie Feliz Sparkles in Debut

Texas Ranger rookie pitcher Neftali Feliz made his major league debut for the Rangers Monday night in a 3-2 loss to Oakland and promptly struck out the first four batters he faced with fastballs that ranged from 97 to 100 mph mixed with a 91 mph split finger fastball and a 83 mph curve.

The 21-year-old Feliz is the Rangers’ top pitching prospect who recently was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen in AAA Oklahoma City. Even though he is likely a future starter (if not a closer) the Rangers needed his help in the bullpen and considered him the equivalent of a trade deadline acquisition for their bullpen.

His fantasy value in 2009 is mixed because of his middle relief status. He should provide strong strikeout numbers as well as a potentially strong ERA and WHIP. In addition, he could chip in with the occasional save or win.

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The Big Unit 2.0

With the Big Unit getting his 300 victory at age 45, he is clearly coming to the end of a great career. So, it is time to pick his replacement—The Big Unit 2.0.

Okay, this is a stretch at this point. A large statistical-stretch, but only a small physical stretch. Florida Marlins starting pitcher Sean West stands mighty at 6'8" and, after his amazing performance during his duel with the great Randy Johnson, he can temporarily claim the title of "The Big Unit 2.0"—at least for a couple of weeks.

West's stature is commanding, but not enough to even say hello to his legendary counterpart.

"He's pretty intimidating. I had plenty of opportunities, but I never said anything. I got a little stage fright,'' West said a day after his 4-0 victory over Johnson and the San Francisco Giants.

West pitched eight shutout innings, giving up just two hits and one walk while striking out six in his duel. He had a no-hitter though six innings.

The 23-year-old Lefty is 20-17 with a 3.36 and 298 strikeouts in 313 innings in his Minor League career.

West has a mid-90s power fastball and a nasty power breaking ball, but his awkward delivery can be problematic for it puts a lot of stress on his arm. In addition, he is basically a two-pitch-pitcher and this could mean the bullpen at some point.

He was called up from Double-A Jacksonville after going 4-2 with a 4.85 ERA because of Florida's desperate need for healthy starting pitching.

West's debut wasn't as successful. He went just 4 2/3 innings, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks. Not a disaster, but nothing like his last performance either.

Like all young pitchers, West will be a gamble to put on your fantasy roster, but if you are in the need for starting pitching, he is worth a definite look.

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