Posted Mike Caprio March 18, 2009

Jordan Zimmermann

Zimmermann boosted his already elevated stock this Spring with a 0.00 ERA in 12.1 Innings.  Zimmermann started two games, and relieved two allowing 6 hits and 2 walks for a .661 WHIP with 11.9 K/9 and a 8 K/BB ratio.  The dearth of pitching alternatives for the Nationals may very well lead to a rotation spot for the young right hander.  Rated as the #56 prospect according to Baseball Prospectus and #41 by Baseball America for this season, Jordan appears to have increased his prospect value with this spring audition.  Disclaimer: Spring Training, especially with the talent dilution due to the WBC, should be regarded with caution in evaluating players, but his dominance will be noticed on draft day. 

Brett Cecil

Brett emerged on the prospect radar for most fantasy owners late last season with the Blue Jays’ AAA team in Syracuse.  He has been a trendy “sleeper” in most Fantasy drafts this season.  He’s a hard throwing lefty with a career minor league K/BB ratio of 3.55.  So far this Spring, Cecil has done enough to warrant an invite to join the big club in Toronto.  He’s made 4 appearances with two starts and 11.2 Innings pitched.  He has only given up 4 ER’s (coming off of 2 HR’s), for a 3.09 ERA with 12 K’s (2.0 K/BB).  In the AL East having a hard throwing lefty is important…he will suffer growing pains as all young lefties do, but he’s definitely a Keeper.

Tommy Hanson

Hanson may be the most “polished” prospect pitcher in baseball.  He’s started two of three games for the Braves this Spring, likely as an audition for the 5th starter spot.  His peripherals are good, allowing only 4 ER’s in over 10 innings of work (3.38 ERA), with 11 K’s vs. 4 BB’s (2.75 K/BB) and no HR’s allowed.  He’s likely owned in every Keeper League, and outside of David Price, the closest high impact pitching prospect in baseball.

 

 

Carlos Carrasco

Carrasco has struggled this Spring, which is unfortunate based on the opportunity that now presents itself with Cole Hamels likely starting the season on the DL.  In 10 Innings, Carrasco boasts a 6.30 ERA off of two bad outings and 2 HR’s.  His 3.33 K/BB ratio (10K’s/3 BB’s) is good, but again, based on diluted talent this Spring, it’s the long ball that would worry me.  He’s still an excellent prospect, but more likely beginning the season in AAA, than in Philly.

 

 

 

Neftali Feliz

There have been few prospects that have generated more interest this off-season than Feliz.  Is it pure “Hype” or is there something here?  Last season when I selected Feliz with our 1st round pick (extended Draft), many in the league had never heard of him.  Now he is ranked as the #6 Prospect by Baseball Prospectus and #10 by Baseball America.  His Spring performance shouldn’t be used against him as he’ll begin this season in AA. But Feliz has been less than spectacular in 6 Innings in relief with 9 K’s, 4 BB’s (2.25 K/BB) & 13.5 K/9 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.83 WHIP.  His reputation for “missing bats” wasn’t necessarily on display so far in Spring Training.  However, if he continues the success he enjoyed last season, look for a mid-season call-up to Arlington.  He is a must own in every Keeper League.

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