Does Tom Gordon have any value?

[AI8818]

I was just wondering if he's worth a pickup in my league. My league is a 5x5, H2h league. We don't have holds or anything like that but he would only be useful for evening out the ERA. Is he worth a starting roster spot or would it be better to take a chance with a guy like John Thomson in there.

[GotowarMissAgnes]

Gordon is almost certain to beat Thomson in ERA and WHIP. He'll pick up a few saves, maybe, and some wins. He'll also probably have more K/9, so if your league has an innings limit, he's the better value there, too, though he won't rack up as many in total. So the question comes down to whether Thomson will have enough of an advantage in wins.

In most cases, the top middle relievers are worth more than an average starter.

[AI8818]

Well heres a look at my roster...WITH Gordon

12 Team, 5x5, H2h

C Ivan Rodriguez
1B Derrek Lee
2B Jeff Kent
SS Nomar Garciaparra
3B Hank Blalock
OF Vladimir Guerrero
OF Coco Crisp
OF Luis Gonzalez
Util Troy Glaus
BN Ken Griffey Jr.
BN Richard Hidalgo
BN Juan Uribe
BN Chris Burke

SP Roy Halladay
SP Barry Zito
SP C.C. Sabathia
RP Eddie Guardado
RP Keith Foulke
P Mark Buerhle
P Bob Wickman
P Tom Gordon
BN Adam Eaton

[stumpak]

Most people severely underrate the value of an elite set-up man in a 5x5 league. Gordan and say someone like Brendan all but the most elite starting pitcher as well double digit wins and some saves if the respective team's closer's go on the DL. If your league has enough roster spots to enable this, it is a great strategy. I have overcome many a crappy pitching staff by doing this.

[kage812004]

all 4 of my leagues are 5x5 and i usually go with one or 2 strong set up guys, they help u with some K's, ERA, whip, sometimes a save or 2 and some wins as well on days your starters are off. ive done my keeper draft allready and i grabbed otsuka and rincon, 2 of the best imo. if those 2 are available id consider one of those 2 over gordon but all 3 are solid.

[Pacman]

I carried BJ Ryan most of last year. You'll recall Ryan was a set-up man for Jorge Julio and pitched a lot -- all the while getting great K and era/whip numbers and even picking up a few wins. It was a double bonus late in the year when the O's used him as the closer. (I think he'll be a solid closer option this year, by the way).

Ryan as a setup man helped me every week in my H2H league. I'm a big believer in carrying a good setup guy if you can make roster space for him.


Good luck.