Well, I'd like to start giving him credit as a fantasy option, but I'm afraid I'm still not sold, especially with his elbow inflammation still not entirely out of the way... It's a great success story, though - I'm definitely enjoying that part.
Ohka, despite his 4-2 record and 2.34 ERA in his past nine starts, probably isn't on the verge of a breakout year. He was never considered staff-ace material when rising the ranks of the minor leagues, and has lasted more than seven innings just once this season (7 2/3 frames May 16). That puts Ohka's durability in question, and the fact that he doesn't get many strikeouts and won't win many games on the Expos doesn't help matters. He's really only a specialist in the ERA and WHIP categories, and not as good as his current stats.
Do you think he's better than the other pitchers on FA
No matter what you think of Ohka (personally I think that while he won't miraculously become a top-tier pitcher, he'll put up very respectable numbers), that editorial seems a bit slanted. Saying that his durability is in question because he has only gone over seven innings once this season is, with all respect to sportsline, pure nonsense. For one thing, it's wrong: he also went 7 1/3 in April to get his 3rd win. For another, it could also be pointed out that he's gone 7 or more in 8 of the last 9 games. So much for that argument.
Usually, you can expect better from sportsline... (Oh well - everyone misses one now and then. They're still a great source).
The point about Ohka's low k totals is legitimate, but if Montreal is serious about making a run at the playoffs and trading for additional upgrades, the wins should come.
Anyway, I think Fogg, Ohka and Lopez have fairly equal chances to succeed over the rest of the season. That's also the order in which I'd take them, but that's based more on a hunch than anything else. They're all very nice free agent finds.
I'll have to wait until my trade is approved by the league to decide which pitcher to take.
On another note, there was a trade proposal in my league that had:
David Wells for Johnny Damon
I opposed it and hopefully other will too so the trade won't go through. The trade is between a last place team (Johnny Damon) and a 4th place team (David Wells) I don't think it's fair, but we''ll see what everyone thinks.
I'd have to agree that on the face of it this isn't fair. damon has considerably higher value in almost any format.
That said, there is always the salary trade in keeper leagues. Its early to be doing this but is this a keeper league and what are the salaries involved?
Too bad that these things happen but sometimes rookies take a while to learn too.
Something else on the Ohka side that might help your decision:
I'd think the adddition of Colon moves Ohka to at least #4 in the rotatation, (I'm not sure if it's even #5...gotta be Ohka or Yoshii there). With the teams getting to reset their rotations at the allstar break, Ohka should oppose his share of stiffs throughout July at least . Hopefully translating to more wins as well.
As for the Damon trade, it does seem unfair but maybe the guy getting Wells is in a situation that he feels the pitching helps him more? I don't like the deal and hope it isn't collusion, but I've seen worse ones go through.
I don't really think I'd veto that deal. Yes, Damon has a higher "objective" value, but if both sides are filling needs, it could work out nicely.
Of course, I'm usually very reluctant to veto trades unless there is collusion (or other underhanded tactics) involved. If your league has other guidelines, then it may well be rejected by the commish.
Well, the Damon -- Wells trade went through. Also, my trade for Berkman went through. I had to give up Glavine, but I think Berkman will help my offense.
I picked up Ohka, but was wondering if Jeff Weaver maybe a better option. I guess if he gets traded, he might be more valueable. Let me know what you think?
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by Arlo » Fri Jun 28, 2002 5:30 am 
