Where do the starters exit the stadium when the game’s over because I’m a groupie for strikeout heavy pitchers, i.e., Grey’s high on a high K/9, i.e., ergo, henceforth, vis-a-vis, I’d own these starters. Why the hearts on the notebook, Grey? Glad you asked, random italicized voice. Picture this scenario, your pitcher’s in a jam. Man on 3rd with one out in the bottom of the 2nd. Up walks the eight hole hitter. (For this example, let’s assume it’s not the Cards, cuz then it would be the pitcher.) In this situation, a groundout will probably score the man on third, so the best scenario is a strikeout. When you have a high K/9 pitcher, that’s a strong possibility. If you have a guy that pitches more to contact cough Jurrjens cough, then you’re relying on factors out of the pitcher’s control, namely the defense. Now I didn’t bother listing pitchers that have top K/9’s, like Lincecum and Verlander, because they’re owned and expensive to get in a trade. Instead, I listed pitchers that have a strong K/9 (above eight) that I could see either being available or being traded for for a reasonable price. Anyway, here’s some top K/9 fantasy baseball starters:
Jorge de la Rosa – 9.63 K/9 – He comes with a huge caveat. He can be absolutely terrible. Like 8 earned in three innings terrible. So I’d consider dlR more of a H2H matchup starter when you need to make a risky play for Ks.
Clayton Kershaw – 9.04 K/9 – In his young career, Kershaw seems like he needs to audit Pitch Management 101. But with his team scoring runs and his ballpark, he’s definitely worth going out and grabbing.
Max Scherzer – 8.96 K/9 – Fittingly, Jobacum and Kershaw are right next to each other. They are high Ks, walks, bad pitch economy and young. Two peas in the pod, you two. Right now, Scherzer has shown better control, but Kershaw’s better team/park make up for that to equalize them like Edward Woodward.
Wandy Rodriguez – 8.38 K/9 – One of the big reasons that I’ve been on The Wandwagon since the preseason. When you’re rolling with a 8+ K/9, you’re doing enough right for me to extend the rope.
Joe Blanton – 8.28 K/9 – Mentioned in Friday’s Buy/Sell. Not really sure where this panache for wonderful came from with Blanton, but it’s here and hiding signs of the old Blahton.
Joba Chamberlain – 8.21 K/9 – Joba once lent his name to Scherzer for a nickname, now the student leads the teacher. However, I imagine Kershaw, Jobacum and Joba will be pitching in All-Star games and collecting awards for many years to come.
Randy Johnson – 8.17 K/9 – Pretty remarkable that he’s still so high on this list at 45 years old. I just had a funny thought, and not funny funny, but Hmm… funny… Imagine Randy Johnson reincarnated himself as someone getting by on guile. Can you picture him throwing 75 MPH junkballs?
John Danks – 8.15 K/9 – Danks seems to fall under the radar on even his own team to the capable Floyd, which is slightly odd since Danks has had a better season so far. Maybe I’ll have to do a Buy/Sell with the headline, “Danks for nothing!” Hmm… Put scaffolding around that idea, cause it’s under consideration.
