Alright boys, I propose we do the following. Let's comb over our notes, papers and sites and see if we can't pinpoint some under the radar pitchers who might offer good value at the window early on. There's a great thread at Caseace that does just this and I added my contribution there today. Thoughts on the following would be apprecaited and I hope you guys have a list to add as well.
Carlos Sivla MIN - While Santana commands most of the attention (rightfully so) for the Twins, Silva did something rather astounding last year. In 188IP, he gave up a total of NINE walks. He had solid numbers across the board last year with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP - good for 5th in the AL in both categories. If the Twins could improve slightly offensively this year, a guy like Silva could benefit greatly. Considering their stellar bullpen and Silva's excellent command, I think he's backable in spots and will look to bet him this year.
Kameron Loe TEX - Real young kid put together a very decent campaign in the 2nd half of 2005 with very little fan fare. He started 8 games and finsished the year with a respectable 3.42 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Considering where he pitches, that's damn good. He's added a change up to his arsenal which features a sterling slider and an above average sinker ball. He's had a good spring for Texas and will open as their 4th starter. The Rangers tend to start out hot and fade late, so jump on Loe early as he could get great run support and pitch well to win some early games before wilting in the summer.
Brandon Claussen CIN - Hate the park he pitches in and he makes Charlie Sheen look steady at times, but you can't argue with his power. He throws very hard and can strike guys out. He's got 19Ks this spring and an ERA of 3.60. He won 10 games last year - his first full year in the rotation. I'd prefer to back him on the road, but will look to bet him especially during day games where his splits were fantastic. 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA. Walks too many guys, but with a potent lineup behind him, he could get some cheap wins and will also be the kind of pitcher that dominates a game here and there, fanning several in the process. Very young, I expect his command to get better. Just beware when he's at home and remember that this bull pen sucks like a hooker with a thirst for protein.
Jason Vargas FLA - Another young guy (see a trend here?) who is having a sensational spring with 18 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.57. He was awesome at times late last year and will certainly be fun to watch. Hard to get too excited considering the lineup behind him and a bullpen that is far from good, but he seems to have the kind of stuff that could carry a team for 9 innings. Is he a poor poor man's Felix Hernandez? I know this - I'm going to bet him if the price is right.
Kyle Davies ATL - It's all but a foregone conclusion that he's going to make the rotation in Atlanta as his performance this spring has been light's out and the team is looking to shop John Thomson. His ERA is 0.64 and his breaking ball has danced nicely to couple a 95 MPH fastball. Behind Hudson, Smoltz and Sosa, Davies will have good matchups to take advantage of and even if he's not a dog, he could be a very intriguing slight favorite to lay coin on. Had some very solid starts last year when he was forced into action before he was ready, but like any young pitcher, struggled at times too. his overall numbers weren't pretty, but he flat out controlled some games last summer too.
Justin Verlander DET - The second of Detroit's young studs in the making is going to be their 5th starter while Zumya (sp?) heads to the pen. Having a great spring thus far with an ERA of 3.37 and 16K's in 18IP. Having said that, his BB total is more than a worry and betting him won't always be fun to watch. But Leyland should calm him down and coax the most out of him. I think he'll offer some incredible value this summer and I'll take a shot on him here and there.
Guys I want to look at a little more:
Dewon Brazleton - having a great spring for an uber pitcher friendly team in San Diego. Flamed out in Tampa, but could put it together for the Padres. I think he's their 5th starter now?
Brandon Backe - This guy gets more camera attention that the ******* child of Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears considering his mediocre (at best) MLB career. That said, I think he's slated to start for the Astros and as bad as he can be, he can also pitch some gems (remember his post season performances in 2004?). Supposedly, he's worked on some mechanics in the off season and added a new pitch, but he got lit up the other day in ST.
GB Cappy - His reverse jinx sealed the White Sox fate last year 
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Are the Cubans all thinking about the plan to defect later tonight.
Ordered Extra Innings today
5 units
