I have been critical of this approach in the past and still to this day feel it is better too have a rotation of at least 8-9 pitchers you are comfortable with regardless of the matchup. Obviously though when you play in a 12 team league and only around 130 pitchers are on rosters that leaves some good options available to all. It is important to have some knowledge of the available options in the Free Agent Pool. On many occasions throughout the season you can use your 10th roster spot for pitching to grab a extra starter on Sunday to get you some extra K's or possibly boost up your K/9 and lower your ERA. Though the QS stat is more reflective of a pitchers talent than the W stat, you still have a better shot in the QS category with more opportunities. So come Sunday it is nice to have the flexibility to do what is needed to capture a W.
When selecting a hitter you tend to pick up who you think the best option is. This isn't always the case with pitching. If you are using the Add/Drop method you are likely more focused on matchup than overall ability. If you are needing Saves you are searching for whatever Closer is available. Unfortunately for the followers of the 64/60 Fantasy Review I haven't took the time to analyze every projected matchup for the next two weeks. What I will give you is a list of intriguing options available to all. I will list both Starting Pitchers and since no closers are on the market I will look at some RP who could be another blown save away from the closers job.
SP
Brad Penny- On Waivers until the 18th, Penny could be the next Dave Duncan reclamation project. Penny has been great thus far in limited action with two QS in two games.
Brett Myers- Hasn't been quite the same since returning to the starter role but Myers is a power arm who can give you K's with a good K/9.
Carl Pavano- Not yet sold but over the second half of last season and the first two starts of this season Pavano has looked worthy of the Yankees contract. To bad for the Yankees that it's coming two years to late.
Kevin Millwood- It's tough for me to get ecstatic over a full season of Kevin Millwood but this year he has started off very well and pitched good tonight in a losing effort. Last year Millwood was very effective at the start of the season and managed to put together a productive under the radar season.
Justin Masterson- Young power arm who will be given every opportunity this season.
Gio Gonzalez- Huge K potential as well as K/9 however he is a risk in terms of WHIP as walks have been his downfall during a young career.
Tom Gorzelanny- He was really bad two years ago with the Pirates but since coming over to the Cubs he has been above serviceable. Gorzelanny once won 14 games as a Pirate and has really improved his K/9 as a Cub. Many people forget he is only 26 years old.
Jeremy Bonderman- The first start went much better than today's effort but could be healed after surgery last offseason. Bonderman is a K guy who has a track record of success in the league.
Closers/ Potential Replacements
Jim Johnson- The lone available closer in the FA pool. Johnson pitched decent in the same role last season. Given Gonzalez's DL combined with lack of success in the role this job could be Johnson's for the taking.
Scott Downs/Jason Frasor (Tor)- Kevin Gregg has been named the Closer but as a Cub fan I am confident that it won't last for long. Gregg has never been a game over closer in the past and I can't see that changing in the AL East.
Brandon Lyon- Perhaps the Astros will not win enough games for Lindstrom to have a shot to lose the role. Lindstrom was given the job in Spring and Lindstrom has better makeup than Lyon but given Lyon's past experience in the role I would imagine Lindstrom is on a tight leash.
Juan Gutierrez- As I am writing this Juan has blown the Save and the game by giving up 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th. Chad Qualls hasn't been any better for the D'Backs so even with this outing Gurierrez could easily be the replacement should Qualls's struggles continue.
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