2009 FBS Bust Player: Gil Meche

Team: Kansas City Royals
Throws: Right

Position: SP

When Gil Meche signed a five year, $55 million contract two seasons ago, no one thought that he was worth that kind of money. However, if you take away his win-loss record, his other statistics haven't been that bad. He has been very durable, and his wins and strikeouts have been going up. Meche was especially good in the second half of the season, as he was 11-3 after June 10th. Fantasy players will be looking at him and the slowly improving Royals as a possible third or fourth pitcher on their rotations. We urge you not to look at Meche too soon. He has had a couple decent seasons for the Royals, but his previous four years his ERA was between 4.50 and 5.09, and he wasn't striking people out at nearly this rate. I know some pitchers struggle in the beginning of their careers and then eventually figure it out, but Meche is 30 years old not the time when most pitchers get better. The Royals might have made some moves to improve their team, but Meche is still a average to below average pitcher and should only be considered in the final rounds of drafts.

Prediction: 10-14 record, 4.56 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 165 Ks, 85 BBs