Slow email draft going and I decided to wait until rnd 9 to get my second SP after my rnd 5 selection of Darvish (I have a huuuuge man crush on him)


My staff so far and we are in rnd 18 of a 5x5 redraft with 9 rnd to go


Yu Darvish
Josh Johnson
Matt Moore
Jon Lester
Matt Harvey
Alexi Ogando
Ryan Dempster


I am targeting these guys coming up

Cashner, Bauer, Romero, Hultzen

It has some upside if guys like JJ and Lestor return to their old form. A little risky but it could really work out for you.

I'd be concerned about JJ and Ogando. JJ is the definition of fragile and moving into the AL East from the National League. That said, if he can stay healthy and make adjustment for the DH, he certainly has the stuff to have a really productive year. I worry about Ogando only because (a) he declined precipitously in the second half last year and (b) bouncing between the rotation/bullpen/rotation can really screw with a pitcher's head sometimes (See: Joba Chamberlain).

I wouldn't be worried about Lester at all. So far this spring, he's looked great. I really think he's on a mission this year to prove that last year was a fluke. Having Farrell (former pitching coach) back can only help him.

Everyone else looks solid.

Of the guys you are targeting, I've never been a Romero apologist, but moving into the SP5 role might take some pressure off of him this year and allow him to just pitch. Bauer will get his Ks, but I don't see a great ERA or WHIP in his future this season. No doubt about his abilities or his ceiling, but I think he's a year away.

Hultzen, like Bauer has got the talent to succeed, especially with an improved lineup behind him this year, but I think the ride will be a little bumpy.

Cashner is likely your safest bet, especially pitching in San Diego. I don't think he'll hurt you anywhere.