I am trying to do an early assessment of sleeper pitchers for next season. In using Bonderman as a spot-starter yesterday, I decided to watch him pitch. Granted, it was lowly Tampa Bay, but this guy looked capable of being a solid major league pitcher. I started thinking of some factors that I think could be worthy of taking this guy next season late in a draft.
1. He's a power pitcher with already solid strikeout numbers and opposing batting average. It's my opinion that I prefer to use power pitchers, since I like their upside, as opposed to someone that can't break a pane of glass.
2. He's young. At 21, turning 22, he's got a lot more upside than I realized.
3. His second half split this year consists of 85Ks in 90 inns, 3.70 ERA, and most impressive, a 1.10 WHIP and .210 batting average against. Not numbers to snicker at.
4. The AL Central is probably the worst, or at least second worse, division of hitters, especially if Chicago loses Ordonez and Lee. Bonderman will have some very favorable matchups next year, although I must be fair and state that Cleveland should continue to improve offensively next year as well
5. The upside of the Tigers offense leads me to believe he could get some much needed run support. Infante, Inge, Pudge, if Young is kept, Monroe, and Pena all have been very solid and many of them can only improve.
What's your thoughts on Bonderman? I'd like to hear. I know I might be a little biased, since he just gave me a CG shutout in a spot-start, but I also believe he could be one of those Pavano-like bargains next year if looking for a pitcher late. Thanks