GF's Super-Sleeper Waiver-Wire Pickup is...

[George_Foreman]

Lance Cormier ( ) SP, ATL

Yep, that's right, I'm predicting big (well, at least "bigger") things for Lance Cormier this year.

"But GF," you say in disbelief, "this guy is about as mediocre as they come! Why would you have any faith in a guy with a career ERA+ of 77, and that coming out of the bullpen!"

Well, the simple answer is this: he's young (still just 26 despite three years of ML service), he's been lights-out this spring and, more impressively, had a strong September as a full-time starter, and finally because there is an actual reason for the success as a starter: Cormier spent time in the minors last year and developed a cut fastball. His spring numbers were ridiculous: a 1.something ERA and a K/BB of like 19/2.

Now let's be reasonable. I'm not expecting him to turn in to a starting version of Mariano Rivera overnight or anything like that. But he's a virtual lock to be on your waiver wire, and I think he'll be able to give you 6 solid innings in front of a strong lineup and one of the best bullpens in the league with probably league-average Ks. And the upside is there for him to have an ERA around 4.

I'm not saying go drop Carpenter (seriously, how long until we get a "what's wrong with Carp?" thread?) for him. Just put him on your watch lists. Give him a start or two, and if he's looking decent (good control, getting Ks, not getting hit too hard), take a flier. He's better than your #7 guy in that ultra-deep 16-teamer you've got, and even in your standard-sized Yahoo! leagues he might be effective.

[Sid Bream's Slide]

His shoulder's been a little sore, but I like the Brave as a super-sleeper pick

[Yoda]

I will admit that I know very little about Cormier. What does he throw?

[Coppermine]

I will admit that I know very little about Cormier. What does he throw?

Cantaloupes

[j24jags]

Not a believer unless it's like a 20 team league...

[George_Foreman]

I will admit that I know very little about Cormier. What does he throw?

A cutter.

Seriously, I think he's got a changeup and a curve, neither of which are spectacular, although he spots the curve well. He could never throw very hard, which is why using a cutter instead of a straight FB should work better for him. He's spent most of his ML time in the bullpen (either in ATL or ARI) without much success, but he looked decent as a start in the ARI minor league system. His K-rates were never spectacular, but he showed decent control. Since returning to starting in late-August and adding the cutter, his K-rate has spiked and his walks have dropped (they were seriously bad in the majors for most of his career) His hit rate has also fell a bit. So it could just be a case of hitters having to change their scouting report (although he was never really good enough for hitters to focus on too much. ). But I think the new, more effective pitch combined with him just feeling more comfortable starting than relieving are the cause of the new, better numbers. Definitely a guy I'd keep an eye on this April.