Escobar Gets No Respect

Guys,

Daily podcast listener, fantasy baseball fanatic and thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the show!  I’m in a 12 team 5×5 mixed that limits transactions to 20/yr, not counting trades.  Obviously, each pickup from the waiver wire carries a lot of weight.  I need to pick up a pitcher as I just traded for Ichiro and gave up Vernon Wells and Tom Gorzelanny to get him.  Which available starting pitcher would you pick from this list:  Kelvim Escobar, Homer Bailey, Yovani Gallardo, Sergio Mitre, Jeremy Guthrie, Chad Gaudin, Jorge Sosa, or Justin Germano.   I know all these guys are doing well currently but who is the best bet for the rest of the season as well.  Also, would you waste a DL spot on Pedro Martinez.  This is my first ever question for you guys and I appreciate your thoughts!

Hoosier Hacker

That’s an awfully low transactions limit, Hoosier!  How can you stand it?  Anyway, Escobar is my clear choice from this group.  I don’t even know why he’s still available in your league.  As long as Kelvim is healthy, he produces at a high level.  Since joining the Angels in 2004, Escobar has compiled a 3.55 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 453 strikeouts in 532 1/3 innings.  Judging from these numbers, not only is Escobar worthy of a roster spot…he’s a solid #3 fantasy starter who would’ve been ranked even higher heading into the season if the Angels’ offense wasn’t so bad.  This year, he’s off to a fantastic first two months, boasting a sub 3 ERA and (for a change) a high win total (7).  Expect Kelvim to continue his dominance in what’s shaping up to be his long awaited career year.

As for Pedro, I have no problem stashing him on your DL as long as you have room.  But if holding onto him is preventing you from keeping another injured player who has a better chance of making an impact this season, feel free dropping Martinez.  The Mets aren’t counting on him returning until August.

Zach Steinhorn, MLB.com