Which Sp would you add?

[Senor Smoke]

14-team 5x5 league

I need to add another SP.

Best available:

Harang
Backe
Blanton
Mays

Please help

[Bukoski77]

Mays

[RynMan]

Backe
Blanton

end.

[Bukoski77]

Backe
Blanton

end.

May I ask why?

Backe is still pretty unexperienced, didnt have great ratios in limited duty last year, and pitches in a hitters park with the weakest offense that team has had in a while.

Blanton while pitching in a pitcher's park will recieve little run support (pains me to say that as an A's fan), doesnt have above average K/9 upside, and will be subject to rookie erractiness.

Mays while with no great K ability seems to be finally recovering from Tommy John surgery, has a solid contending team backing him to help with wins, faces the weakest divisional offenses of the three outside of Comisky Park, and has a history of success with above average ratios in ERA/WHIP - ala 2001. He has gotten lit up with hits everywhere trying to regaine his form but never got wild enough to give out alot of walks.

None of them are very viable options IMHO, but I like Mays the most to have a servicable fantasy season as a spot starter. Just trying to figure out why I might consider Backe or Blanton instead of him as a waiver option.

[AI8818]

Backe, Blanton

-Wrong forum right?

[RynMan]

Buk, sure you can ask why!
For me when it gets down to that low in the barrell, I would rather gamble on guys with a good upside. Mays K's are a big part of why I dont like him, but so is the fact that he hasnt pitched in 2 seasons. I think Backe has shown flashes of brilliance, and Blanton could just be very well solid. Just my preferences I guess.

[Dawgpound 1613]

Backe and Blanton. Backe based on his performance in the playoffs and his start this year (only 1 HR allowed and a nifty K/BB ratio). Blanton based on his potential.

I agree that when you're this low in the food chain, gamble on upside. They may be young, but they have shown flashes. Backe's big problem was control the 1st half of last year. The second half, it was better. If he has truly better command this season based on the 2nd half (and playoffs) and his 1st 3 starts, he has the ability to strike out 7+/9 IP and keep the ball in the park - making him a nice gamble.

[Members Only Jackets]

Backe ...he seems to have his control problems solved, good ratios and is at that age where he may breakout!