RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target as High-End SP3
ANALYSIS: Phil Hughes posted 11.63 strikeouts for every walk he issued last season, the best ratio in MLB history for a starting pitcher. How did a pitcher who, in parts of five qualifying seasons as a starter, had never managed an ERA south of 4.00 manage to top such a list? Hughes was an extreme fly-ball pitcher moving from a launching pad in New York to pitcher-friendly Target Field. His resulting 0.69 HR/9 ratio was by far the lowest of his career. He also overhauled his repertoire and approach, ditching his slider and attacking the strike zone more.
The Twins bet on Hughes and it paid dividends, but the question is whether or not his gains are sustainable. He’s unlikely to repeat an 0.69 BB/9, but Steamer’s projection of 1.62 would put him third among starters. Last year, Hughes did a pretty good impression of 2008 Cliff Lee. Even if he doesn't mirror Lee's dominance going forward, he should be a very valuable fantasy asset in 2015. If he happens to fall in your draft, he could return some serious value in all leagues.
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