Pitching, Pitching, Pitching

I was going to go through and Breakdown all MLB teams pitching staffs but this changes daily, So I thought it will be better to just give my thoughts on some under the radar guys to target in the closing rounds of your draft. Value and upside is what fantasy players scour the waiver wires and late rds of a draft for, and I think these guys have both. Here is my list of guys to target late: 1. Rich Hill--Yes he was horrible last, yes Pinella sent him to the minors for the year and he couldn't get back with the big club. Now he is in Baltimore hopefully its a new beginning. Lets not forget 2 years ago when hill looked like the next big time ace. In 2007 Hill was 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA 183 K's and a 1.19 WHIP in 195 INN, could he get back to that? Even if he cant do that, Hill showed he has talent and Baltimore could have themselves a diamond in the rough. I say burn a bench spot on him just on the off chance he finds the strike zone again and looks closer to his 2007 stats. 2. Sean Gallagher-- This guy has filthy stuff and can get you K's, he does have control issues, however he is locked into a rotation on what could be a contender this year. Last year Gallagher had a 8.58 K/9 rate and Billy Beene has an eye for pitching. Big time upside and going undrafted in most leagues, take the stab. 3. Micah Owings--Owings started last year on fire and looked to be on his way to a breakout year. Then it all fell apart and he was sent to the bullpen and then dealt to the Reds for Adam Dunn. Start 2009 He is showing his skills in spring training and looks like he is going to lock up the 5Th spot in an already loaded young Reds rotation. I think the Reds lineup is much improved and if Owings can do close to what he did in the first month last year(31 IP 4-0 3.48 ERA 28 K's and a 1.00 WHIP) he should be a serviceable bye week guy. To bad most leagues don't count hitting for pitchers cause Owings can rake. 4.David Purcey--OK unlike the other guys in my list, Purcey is older(28) for a prospect. The main thing I like about him is his 8.03 K/9 rate that he showed last year in the majors. Again like all the others if he can find some control he could be a solid pitcher with a high amount of K's. 5.Anibel Sanchez--This guy is known for mostly 2 things, 1st he threw a no hitter as a rookie, and 2ND he was involved in the trade along with Hanley Ramirez for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. Now here is what you need to know, he is now over a year removed from Tommy John Surgery and he should now be regaining his control. Sanchez is doing OK this spring, in 13 IP he has walked 8 but he has also posted a 3.46 ERA. I am not saying run to get him but his talent and having a rotation spot make him worth a stab as a bench player. WHY NOT? 6.Kyle Davies--I don't know why I just have always liked this guys ability. this spring it looks like he is finally putting some of it together he has 10 K's in 15 IP and a 3.45 ERA with only 6 BB. That's not too bad, he wont be an ACE ever but he could help you this year. 7.Kelvim Escobar--He was a great pitcher in 2007 then he was hurt and missed all of 2008. Well now its 2009 and his recovery by all accounts is going great and he could be back in the rotation for the Angels by mid April early May. Take him late and hopefully he produces like he used too. 8.Jordan Zimermann-- He was mentioned in another article on this site so I will just mention, he is now up to 16 K's and no runs allowed in 12 IP. 9.Franklin Morales--This guy had a HORRIBLE year last year so no one wants him. Two things, One he has unbelievable stuff, and Two he was dealing with a back injury last year that he kept from his team. It looks like Morales will lock up the 5Th starters position pretty soon. He has had a good spring not a great one but the Rockies lack better alternatives. So I think he will be with the big club unless he implodes again. Why not take the chance on a guy with superior stuff as a bench player. I know he pitches in Colorado but the thin air in Denver hurts breaking ball pitchers more then pitchers with a dominating fastball(EX: Ubaldo Jimenez is real good at COORS). I won't say he is this years Volquez, however, he has the talent and at worst could be this years Cueto. 10. Ian Snell--Wow this guys is horrible a 5.42 ERA and 1.76 WHIP last yr I will pass. That statement is what most fantasy owner's have said when they have looked at Snell. Here is the reality yes he SUCKED! plain and simple last year, but he is still only 27 and in 2007 he was very good with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. So can he bounce back? Well if you have been watching the WBC, he was pitching for Puerto Rico and looked really good with a 2.25 ERA for the tournament. K's have never been a question he can strike guys out it is just control that is the problem. Draft him late and hope he really wants a new contract and has his Career year. I don't think any of these guys listed above will be your staff ace, but one or two of them could turn into a nice starter and really help bolster your staffs. The Bay State Scout