Better long-term upside: Zimmermann or McDonald?

[jnormy]

Which of these two has a higher ceiling as a major league SP, and why: Jordan Zimmermann or James McDonald? Thanks!

[bloc8888]

I go with Zimmerman. McDonald has been touted by LA, but he's been up a couple times and hasn't been able to put it together. Zimmerman is up and putting up very solid K numbers, playing for a terrible team. Of course, depending on your league and what you're looking for, that's a factor -- because Zim plays for a bottom-end team and McDonald for a top team. Run support matters a lot, especially if your league values Ws heavily, like mine. (He's fricking 3-5 in 16 starts.) But I would definitely opt for Zimmerman, he's up and producing and has great k/bb numbers. His ERA is higher than you'd like, but that number will eventually even out to be consistent with his K/BB numbers, I think he could develop into an ace.

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[MaudDib]

I go with Zimmerman. McDonald has been touted by LA, but he's been up a couple times and hasn't been able to put it together. Zimmerman is up and putting up very solid K numbers, playing for a terrible team. Of course, depending on your league and what you're looking for, that's a factor -- because Zim plays for a bottom-end team and McDonald for a top team. Run support matters a lot, especially if your league values Ws heavily, like mine. (He's fricking 3-5 in 16 starts.) But I would definitely opt for Zimmerman, he's up and producing and has great k/bb numbers. His ERA is higher than you'd like, but that number will eventually even out to be consistent with his K/BB numbers, I think he could develop into an ace.

I agree with this. Zimmermann has the potential and just like other young SP, he has had his ups and downs. I don't think he will ever be an ace in fantasy formats he could be a very good #2/#3 which is important to have. Don't over emphasize the team factor. Good SP will usually give you the numbers if they deserve it. The wins might not be there all the time but they will be just fine.