2009 FBS Sleeper Player: Aaron Laffey
Team: Cleveland Indians
Throws: Left
Position: SP
One of the best young pitching prospects in just a few years ago, Laffey has had a couple short stints with the Indians, and has shown small improvements over his time in the bigs. However, in 2007-2008 in AAA Laffey was 15-5 with a pretty decent strikeout rate. Last season at the major league level Laffey was 5-7 with a 4.23 ERA. The problem was he nearly walked as many batters as he struck out (31/43). Laffey did show some signs of what he could be with Cleveland. In fact, last May he made five starts and allowed just two earned runs and walked only seven hitters in 34 innings. He will need to get his strikeout numbers up to be considered one of the elite someday, but the foundation is definitely there. Laffey all but has a rotation spot lined up, and since he will turn just 24 a few weeks into the season, there is plenty of reason to expect him to continue to improve. It is important for fantasy players to remember that guys like Tim Lincecum and Cole Hamels are the exception to the rule. Most of the time young pitchers will struggle when they first break into the big leagues, but the quality guys will eventually figure it out. It may still be a little too soon for Laffey, but he is certainly worth a gamble, as his talent is undeniable.
Prediction: 12-10 record, 3.75 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 145 Ks
Throws: Left
Position: SP
One of the best young pitching prospects in just a few years ago, Laffey has had a couple short stints with the Indians, and has shown small improvements over his time in the bigs. However, in 2007-2008 in AAA Laffey was 15-5 with a pretty decent strikeout rate. Last season at the major league level Laffey was 5-7 with a 4.23 ERA. The problem was he nearly walked as many batters as he struck out (31/43). Laffey did show some signs of what he could be with Cleveland. In fact, last May he made five starts and allowed just two earned runs and walked only seven hitters in 34 innings. He will need to get his strikeout numbers up to be considered one of the elite someday, but the foundation is definitely there. Laffey all but has a rotation spot lined up, and since he will turn just 24 a few weeks into the season, there is plenty of reason to expect him to continue to improve. It is important for fantasy players to remember that guys like Tim Lincecum and Cole Hamels are the exception to the rule. Most of the time young pitchers will struggle when they first break into the big leagues, but the quality guys will eventually figure it out. It may still be a little too soon for Laffey, but he is certainly worth a gamble, as his talent is undeniable.
Prediction: 12-10 record, 3.75 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 145 Ks
posted by Ryan Hallam at
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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