Fantasy Baseball is coming quicker than a Aroldis Chapman 100 mile per hour fastball. In preparation of another competitive fantasy season, check out my Top 5 “Starting Pitchers” for the 2014 season.
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No. 5: RHP Justin Verlander (DET)
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Justin Verlander had an off season by his standards in 2013. The six-time all-star went 14-13 with a 3.46 ERA. He did strikeout in 217 batters in 218.1 innings. However his pitching statistics have waned over the last few seasons. His ERA (2.40, 2.64 and 3.46) and walks (57, 60 and 75) have increased over the last three seasons while his innings pitched (251.0, 238.1 and 218.1) and strikeouts (250, 238 and 217) have decreased.
I believe Verlander will have a great 2014 season. The recent success of teammates Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez will no doubt strengthen Verlander's resolve to be the best pitcher in baseball. Reports indicate he's improved physically compared to last season. He should rebound and have a terrific season. I expect the former AL MVP to win 20 games to the tune of a 2.78 ERA and strikeout at least 225 batters.
No. 4: LHP Chris Sale (CHW)
Chris Sale has the potential to be the best left-handed pitcher in baseball. His fastball is explosive. He has a great curve ball and slider. Fantasy players should completely ignore Sale's 2013 win-loss record (11-14). He pitched for a horrible Chicago White Sox team that went 63-99. Yet despite the ineptitude around him, Sale excelled on the mound. He pitched to the tune of a 3.07 ERA and struck out 226 batters in 214.2 innings. Sale has continued to improve each season and I expect a breakout season from the left-hander. He has the ability to strikeout 250 batters in a season.
Fantasy Owners in Keeper Leagues must draft Sale if they wish to begin a dynasty.
No. 3: RHP Yu Darvish (TEX)
Yu Darvish is a “lean, mean, Japanese strikeout machine.” (Please excuse the pun.) Since joining the Rangers in 2012, Darvish has done nothing but succeed. He holds a record of 29-18, with a 3.34 ERA. His 277 strikeouts led Major League Baseball in 2013 and he has been named an all-star each year in the league.
There is no sign of Darvish slowing down. At age 27, Darvish will continue to improve for a while yet. I expect the right-hander to win 20 games and post a 2.76 ERA in 2014. The acquisitions of Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo will strengthen the Rangers' lineup. Achieving 20 wins in 2014 will be easier than expected for Darvish thanks to the improved Rangers' lineup. While he won't strikeout 277 batters like last season, his total should fall somewhere between 250-260.
No. 2: RHP Jose Fernandez (MIA)
He came into the spotlight out of nowhere and has become an international success story. Jose Fernandez, a Cuban refugee turned all-star pitcher, won the hearts of baseball fans everywhere for his amazing play in 2013. The 21-year old right hander went 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA. He struck out 187 batters in 172.2 innings and held opponents to a .182 batting average.
I've never seen a pitcher who can throw like Fernandez. He pitches with the worst team imaginable in the Marlins, but yet makes them watchable. He is the face of their franchise for years to come and I hope the “stingy” Marlins' owners realize that and reward the young man with a contract extension. He has the potential to be a Hall of Fame pitcher and Fantasy Owners should take notice of that.
No.1: LHP Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Like I said earlier, Chris Sale has the potential to be the best left-handed pitcher in baseball. For now, that honor belongs to Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw. A two-time National League Cy Young award, Kershaw went 16-9, with a Major League leading 1.83 ERA. His 238 strikeouts were tops in the National League. The Dodgers haven't seen this type of production from a south paw since the days of Sandy Koufax.
Take fantasy baseball out of the equation for a moment. What we are witnessing from Kershaw is special. A pitcher like him, one who can master hits as easily as a bird taking flight, comes around once an era. He is the best pitcher in baseball, whether it be Major League or Fantasy. His recent seven-year, $215 million contract is proof of his success. Don't let the early struggles of Spring Training fool you. Preseason pitching is pointless. The results in the regular season will determine how great Kershaw becomes.
And Kershaw is going to be Hall-of-Fame great.
Do you think any other pitchers crack the Top 5 in Major League Baseball? Start a conversation in the comments section below!
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