 | May 29, 2007 Coach Danko |  |
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Fausto Carmona, CLE SP/RPThe focus of today's spotlight is a guy that seems to be surrounded with uncertainty in the eyes of fantasy baseball participants. He's still available on some free agent wires and in other leagues many owners are very hesitant to accept him in a trade. Most people just don't believe in him based on his history. Last year, Cleveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona failed miserably as the team's closer after they traded away current Atlanta Braves closer Bob Wickman. In fact, he recorded three blown saves without even getting one successful save conversion. This season, Carmona was moved into the starting rotation out of spring training to fill in for the injured Cliff Lee.
So what is a fantasy owner to do with Carmona? With all angles considered, I'm here to whole-heartedly endorse Carmona has a member of your fantasy pitching staff. I watched his victory over Detroit this weekend and this guy can pitch. He's got a live arm and great movement on his pitches. His fastball clocks in the low 90's and he has a phenomenal sinker that induces a ton of ground balls. He gave up 9 hits to the Tigers, but that number really should have been reduced by at least three because there were at least 3 weak infield grounders that ended up as singles because the infielders simply weren't quick enough to get to the ball. Carmona has big league stuff and he's had eight straight quality starts. Even after Westbrook returns, the Indians have indicated that they will find a way to keep Fausto in the rotation. He's earned his spot. My advice to you: Hop on board and enjoy the ride. If he falters, there'll probably be another hot prospect you can snatch up in free agency, but at least give Fausto a chance. He's got great stuff and he should pile up the wins as the Indians offense is one of the most productive in all of baseball. |
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To date, his stat line for 2007 is 6 wins and 1 loss with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. To top it off, he has beaten the Minnesota Twins twice in two head-to-head matchups with Johan Santana! So why isn't everybody all over this guy? Well when you look a little deeper, he was actually demoted back to Triple-A Buffalo when Lee was ready to return and if not for an injury to SP Jake Westbrook, Carmona might still be in the minors. Furthermore, many fantasy owners don't get very high on a guy that through 62.1 innings has only struck out 23 batters while walking 17.