Fantasy Baseball Pitching duds
Gerrit Cole: Houston Astros
2018 stats:
Win/loss: 12-12
ERA: 4.26
WHIP: 1.25
SO: 196
BB: 23
Innings Pitched: 203
2015 was one of the stars for Cole, who nearly earned a Cy Young award in the process. However, 2016 and 2017 were both subpar campaigns, and you should expect the same for 2018.
There are pros about drafting Cole. He doesn’t walk many hitters, and he will log quite a few innings. But, he’s not worth much as an elite pitcher, where somehow he’s still mentioned. Don’t draft him unless you need pitching depth late in your Fantasy Baseball draft.
Jake Arrieta: Philadelphia Phillies
2018 stats:
Starting pitcher.
Win/loss: 14-10
ERA: 3.53
WHIP: 1.22
SO: 163
BB: 55
Innings Pitched: 168.1
One reason Gerrit Cole didn’t collect the Cy Young hardware in 2015 was that of Jake Arrieta. The two pitchers have much in common, with both projected as Fantasy Baseball duds. Both players are still ranked highly in Fantasy venues, but we see through those lies.
Expect Jake Arrieta to be a .500 pitcher for the Phillies. Yes, we’re aware the Motown Philly’s made some moves, but they are still a long ways from being real contenders. I’m not sold that Arrieta will earn enough run support to earn you enough wins for your team.