…Just like that.  The powers that be in the AL West are shifting, not just in reality, but fantasy-wise too.  Here are my rankings of the starting pitching staffs of each team in the division and who will be making a fantasy impact this year.  Let’s just say I don’t think the Halos will be winning the division for the 4th straight season.

#1 - Seattle Mariners

Everyone knows how dominant King Felix is, finally living up to the hype, and I've already covered Cliff Lee.  You’re going to be drafting this nasty 1-2 punch no matter what as top 15 starters.  I think Ryan Rowland-Smith is going to be a solid option for the back tier of your rotation and will show improvements in the K/9 department this year given a full season of starting.  His ratios the past couple years have been good too (under 4 ERA in the AL not too shabby).  I’ve never really liked Ian Snell, but he showed promise last year when you compare his numbers in Seattle vs. what he did with Pittsburgh.  And even though last year’s numbers don’t show it, Snell’s been known to strike a few batters out…still a waiver wire pickup at best.   Another guy to keep your eye on is Doug Fister, who debuted last August and will be fighting for a spot in this year’s rotation.

2009 Statistics

#2 - Oakland Athletics

Can yoy say I love the 80’s???  Outside of Justin Duchscherer who’s coming back after injury a year ago, everyone on this staff is a young gun.  So that means there can be a lot of upside with this staff and a lot of bust-side too.  By the way, I think J-Duke is a bottom tier starter at best, don’t think he can repeat his spectacular 2008 campaign, make him a late draft gamble at best if you wish.  I think any of these other guys could be middle tier starters on your fantasy teams, starting with Dallas Braden, who if not for a freak foot rash injury last year, would’ve had a pretty decent overall statistical season, in the like of 20+ QS.  Brett Anderson finished off his rookie season nicely with a 4-1 record and 2.20 ERA in his final 5 starts.  A 7.7 K/9 is tasty too, but temper expectations knowing he will only be 22 years old this season.  Also 22, is Trevor Cahill, who gave up 27 long balls in his rookie campaign.  Chicks dig the long ball…from hitters, and I’m not as high on him with the low K’s and potential for high ratios.  Both Gio Gonzalez and Vin Mazzaro are a little wild (check out those WHIPS) but Gonzalez is always worth a gamble when you have a K/9 over 9.  Also keep an eye on Josh Outman on the waiver wire who will be returning from Tommy John surgery in midseason, he was having a very solid season before getting injured.

2009 Statisics

#3 - LA Angels

I really only like Jered Weaver from this rotation, as he will be entering his peak years coming off an excellent 2009.  I would draft him as a top 20 starter, with expectations that he could improve in every statistical category.  Everyone else?  Eh…Scott Kazmir actually did pitch great for LA after coming over from Tampa, so I think he will provide great value for where he’s most likely going to be drafted in 2010.  I don’t think the Angels are going to be winning as many games this year, and that’s why I want no part in drafting Joe Saunders, I mean 13 QS out of 31 starts?  1.43 WHIP?  Less than 5 K/9?  No thanks.  2008 was a breakout year for Ervin Santana, 2009 was not.  The potential for a CY Young season is still there, which makes me think he will be overvalued in many drafts this year…stay healthy my friend.  Matt Palmer, assuming he gets the 5th starter gig, is a waiver wire pickup at best in standard leagues.

2009 Statistics

#4 - Texas Rangers

I don’t like what I see here, but then again has anyone in recent memory liked a pitcher in Arlington???  I’ve already covered Rich Harden.  The only reason why I kind of like Scott Feldman is that I was there for his best game last season (@TB, 7 IP, 0 R, 11 K).  Still pretty young and capable of putting of middle tier starter stats, just don’t have too high expectations, I seriously doubt that many wins again, wins are unpredictable anyways.   Outside of his gross ratios, Derek Holland probably has the next best stuff on this staff; I expect those ratios to come down, still not draftable until late though.  The other guys, well…let’s just keep moving.  And if CJ Wilson becoming a starter turns to reality, I would like to see him prove himself first before drafting.

2009 Statistics

Comments (2)

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Dan Snyder said:

... Feliz had only 108.1 IP last year between Triple-A (77.1) and Arlington (31.0). He appeared in 25 games in Triple-A, 13 of which he started. Nolan Ryan said a couple months ago that Feliz would enter spring training as part of the rotation, but that doesn't mean he'll be a starter come Opening Day. A full season of starting is out of the question for this year - he'll likely see time in rotation as well as the bullpen to keep his innings down. In fantasy leagues that feature Holds, Feliz will be much more valuable.

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January 10, 2010
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Evan Cook said:

	... What about Feliz in Texas?
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January 10, 2010
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