RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target in Mid to Late Rounds
ANALYSIS: Kevin Gausman, chosen fourth overall in 2012, has replaced Dylan Bundy as the most hyped young pitcher in the Orioles' organization.
Gausman pitched out of the bullpen in 2013, striking out over a batter per inning and boasting a 3.77 K/BB ratio, but allowing a ton of line drives and seven homers in 47 innings. The end result was an ugly 5.66 ERA. Gausman cut that mark by over two runs last year, surrendering justeight homers in 113 IP. That kind of improvement tends to attract a lot of fantasy attention, particularly when it comes from a former top prospect being touted as a breakout candidate by team management.
Gausman threw his fastball over 70 percent of the time, but it’s possible to succeed while relying that heavily on the heater. Lance Lynn, Andrew Cashner and Jordan Zimmermann all flashed ERAs in the mid-2.00s while eclipsing the 70 FB% mark. One of the reasons Gausman was so highly touted was his impeccable command (1.39 BB/9). He has relied heavily on his fastball, but if he can turn his slider into more than a show-me pitch, he’ll have staying power in the rotation. If he remains a starter, he’ll be worth a flyer in 2015.
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