Daily Starters – Sunday, September 9th

I hope no owner is needing a free agent starter to use as it’s a rough group of lowly owned pitchers. When Ian Kennedy is the top choice, the pickings are slim.

Here are the pitchers owned in 20% or fewer FanTrax leagues.

Ian Kennedy (22% – close enough for RotoGraphs) at Twins

The 33-year-old righty should not be in play, but he’s Sunday’s best option with the chance for a Win (vs Twins) and some strikeouts (8.3 K/9). His flyball nature has helped him post a HR/9 over 1.5 over the past 4 seasons so he’ll have a high ERA. Experienced owners should know what they’re getting with Kennedy.

Erasmo Ramirez (19%) vs Yankees

I’ve never been able to trust Ramirez and I’m not sure I can against the Yankees. There are a couple signs for optimism. Most of his ERA damage happened in his first start when he posted a 10.24 ERA. After those two starts, he went on the DL (shoulder).

Since returning, his ERA has been 3.70 with ERA estimators near 4.00. He’s in the mold of a slightly below average starter with a 7.0 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9. He’s facing CC, so he has a chance for a Win. There are worse choices.

Erick Fedde (17%) vs Cubs

While a 1st round draft pick, there’s not much to get excited about. All his core stats point to a below-average pitcher with a 6.00 ERA to match. He doesn’t have an above average trait.

The opposing pitcher, Mike Montgomery, is beatable so a Win is in player. He starts our list of “Just OK” starters.

Jalen Beeks (15%) vs Orioles

Another “Just OK” starter facing off against a beatable Orioles team. He’s had a history of well above average walks so those needing help with WHIP, look elsewhere.

Jacob Nix (13%) @ Reds

A 3.8 K/9 with a sporting swinging-strike rate. At least roster a “Just OK” guy with twice the strikeout rate.

Cody Reed (9%) vs Padres

He just barely slides into the back end of the “Just OK” conga line. His talent level is probably lower than projected since his fastball velocity has dropped as a starter.

As a reliever, he posted a 2.31 ERA with a 15% K%-BB%. As a starter, the ERA is at 7.11 with a 7% K%-BB%.

Thomas Pannone (8%) vs Indians

The “Just OK’s” just keep coming. Projected for a 7.5 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and 5.24 ERA. Pass based on the matchup against the Indians.

Ariel Jurado (4%) at A’s

How in the hell does a pitcher with a 3.2 K/9 get seven starts? Hard pass.

Zack Littell (3%) vs Royals

I was a little intrigued by his promotion as the 22-year-old righty had been posting decent numbers in his last few minor-league seasons. So far in the majors, he’s been horrible allowing 13 Hits, seven walks, two hit-by-pitches, and two home runs in seven innings.

There may be talent here, but don’t take a chance until he shows it at least once.

Jeff Brigham (2%) at Pirates

Like Littell, Brigham posted some nice minor league stats, but they haven’t translated to the majors. In his first start, he gave up four hits, walked four, and hit one batter while only striking out two batters. I need to see some improvement.

Rankings
Ian Kennedy
Erasmo Ramirez
Jalen Beeks
Erick Fedde
Cody Reed
Thomas Pannone
Jeff Brigham
Zack Littell
Jacob Nix
Ariel Jurado