RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Draft Target in Mid-to-Late Rounds of All Leagues
ANALYSIS: Allow me to begin by saying that Michael Pineda is not just a fantasy baseball sleeper; he may be the starting pitcher sleeper of this year’s fantasy season. Currently he has an extremely low ADP at around 209, which is likely due to his injury history. However when healthy last year, he dominated and posted numbers worthy of your staff ace.
A sub 2.00 ERA in today’s game is unheard of, especially if it is happening in the American League, unless maybe your name is Clayton Kershaw. But Pineda achieved that feat last year. Yes, it came in only 13 starts -- but if you were watching Pineda throw, you know how masterful he was in shutting down opposing batters. This guy has loads of talent, and tons of fantasy upside if he can just stay healthy.
This year's spring training is another small sample size, but is still very encouraging. He’s let up just two runs in a little more than 13 innings, both runs coming on a two-run HR. Through his 13 2/3 innings, Pineda is boasting a 17:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio as well as a sparkling 1.32 ERA. Wow.
Yes, Pineda is absolutely an injury risk, but he’s more than deserving of a mid-to-late round pick this year in your fantasy drafts. You’re not taking him to be your staff ace, but don’t be surprised when he performs like one. Target this pitcher in every one of your fantasy baseball drafts.
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