This will be the most important thing I ever write for Razzball. I’m not into hyperbole, so that makes it true. Seriously, though, if it ain’t good then it will probably be the last thing I ever write for Razzball and I will endure the same fate as my fellow Korean, Kim Jong Chul.
Yesterday was the most memorable day of my young Razzball life. It all started when I received an email from the Supreme Leader Jr, aka Fantasy Master Lothario, aka Grey Albright. In it he wrote, “Yo, Son! JB is in town. Let’s go pillage the village and bleep the women!!!” Joking about the last part by the way. Words can only say so much…
I don’t think that exactly conveyed what I was feeling. I believe this is a little more appropriate…
It was my chance to meet the wizard behind the curtain and explore the inner sanctum of Razzball.
And disappointed I was not.
The cackle is indeed real. It’s so unnatural that it’s natural. Now that I’ve given you something to ponder, I hope it stays in your brain the way elevator music does.
JB is a giant, both literally and figuratively. This is Grey and JB standing next to each other. Remember how some battles were “allegedly” decided in ancient times? Each side would choose their best fighter to fight mano a mano to decide the fate of the war? David vs Goliath? Well, JB is Goliath. It’s always good to have Goliath on your side, especially during these times.
In all seriousness, we all know Grey is the freaking man. I really don’t need to say much more than that. But I will because I can and want to. His writing style is second to none, but more importantly, he’s a dude that’s fun to chill out with. By dude, I mean he literally signs his checks “Dude.”
JB is awesome as well. Had a blast getting to know him and matching a face to the voice of the man that makes Grey his podcast bitch. While you’re at it, go check out the Razzball hoops section. That’s the place where JB does most of his magic. Mine is done wherever there is tissue and lotion.
Now it’s time to talk about Daniel Norris, the lowest man on the celebrity totem pole in today’s article. Why Norris you say? Well, Grey asked me to write about him last night. When Grey calls, Son answers. In addition, JB also asked me to write about Norris, while standing one foot away from me. If you need any explanation as to why there is no other answer than yes, please scroll up three paragraphs and re-read.
Norris is a 23-year old, left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. His life outside of baseball is cool, but you’re here for fantasy advice.
Norris is currently slated to be the fifth pitcher in the rotation. NFBC ADP has him being selected as the 77th starting pitcher and 290th overall player. He’s a young, high-upside pitcher that can provide some serious value at the end of drafts.
With most young pitchers, control is always a concern. Last season, Norris notched a 2.86 BB/9 rate over 69 innings. In 2015, the rate was 2.85 over 60 innings. For perspective, Francisco Liriano had the worst rate last year with a 4.69 number, while Josh Tomlin had the best with a 1.03 rate. A 2.85 BB/9 would have been the 32nd-worst rate in the league.
What’s sexy about Norris is his ability to strike batters out. Last season, his K/9 was 9.22. In 2015, that rate was only 6.75, but that was his first extended look in the majors. Throughout most of his minor league career, the K/9 was close to 10.
The arsenal that Norris possesses is a four-seam and two-seam fastball, slider, change, and curveball. The fastball is in the 92-96 mph range and he throws it around 60% of the time. He throws the slider and changeup around 15% with the curveball around 9% of the time. Looking at last year’s data, the average fastball velocity increased from 91 to 93 mph. In addition, the slider velocity jumped from 83 to 86.7 mph. What?! You all know I got that need for speed. Not surprisingly, the swinging strike rate went from 9.2% to 10.5% and he was able to limit contact in the strike zone (90.1% to 84.8%).
Me likey, as strikeouts correlate well with fantasy production. With that said, there are some definite warts. While Norris was able to notch a 3.38 ERA last season, the xFIP was actually 4.00. In addition, he stranded 80.7% of base runners, a number that will probably tick down. The HR/FB rate was 12.3%, which would be the 36th-worst rate if he notched enough innings.
There’s also the injury history. Back in 2014, Norris had bone spurs removed from his pitching elbow. In 2015, he suffered an oblique injury. Last year, he suffered a lower back injury and another oblique injury.
All of this is baked into his price, though. The strikeout potential, increase in velocity, and fact that he’s still so young make it worth it.
VERDICT FOR ALL OF TODAY’S CELEBRITIES:
