Verlander

[JohnnyBenchBest Ever]

What do you guys think of Verlander? Does he have any fantasy value this season?

[acsguitar]

IMO there are very few Rookie pitchers who have much fantasy value. Spot starts maybee with him and keep a short leash in hand. The fact that he is the #5 pitcher for a terrible team isn't very good either.

I remember reading an article on rookie pitchers and it wasn't very kind in regards to their average performance.

Also, if he does really well the first half I'd expect a poor 2nd half as hitters figure him out and he gets tired

[MotorCityKitties]

I'm a tigers fan and I have Verlander in my keeper league, but I don't have him in any redraft leagues. His start was televised yesterday and he showed what I expect of him this season. He was touching 98mph with an easy delivery. He struck out Berkman twice among others, but he was struggling with his control. He has shown difficulty throwing his curve for strikes. He will have some great starts, but he will probably be too inconsistent this year.

[JohnnyBenchBest Ever]

I know its too early to tell but who is he compared to?

[MotorCityKitties]

He's mentioned right up there with Liriano as far as prospect lists go. I'm not sure who he is compared to at the MLB level.

97-100mph fastball with plenty of movement, major league curve, good change-up is what I have read about him.

[Yoda]

He has very limited experience and struggled with command at times. He will definitely need more seasoning before he can contribute in fantasy baseball. My guess is it will take at least another year or two.

[Y`s Guy]

In my league we count HOLDS and thus Joel Zumaya is really appealing. I think he has the right stuff. Worthy of my Watch List for now.

[reynolds80]

A couple notes on Verlander:

He's pitched well this spring, and his occasional struggles have been command, not getting hit around.

I have him in a keeper league, and I'm very optimistic on what he can do in the next 5 years, but I think he'll be a decent fantasy pitcher this year too. He plays in a good pitcher's park, and although the Tigers' defense is pretty weak, their lineup is pretty strong. Watch for big years from Granderson and Shelton. And I don't think Pudge, Young, and Guillen are quite done yet. Inge and Monroe are solid as well.

[thedude]

You guys are way too down on Verlander. I am not saying he will be King Felix but he is the best right hander in the minors, and probably the best pitcher (not just my opinion but also the opinion of many). He has an upper 90’s fastball and only walked 26 in 119 minor league innings. He has a higher upside than Bonderman. He could challenge for rookie of the year honors.

He is worth a roster spot even in a redraft league. IN my humble opion he will have a better year than cain.

[Yankees227]

I drafted him in my keeper. I am really like him in the future. I am interested to see if he can pitch 150 - 200 innings this years and get so good experience and hopefully have a good year. i got him predicted for like 13wins 3.49 era 127ks in 147ip