Bits and more Bits

Oakland’s Justin Duchscherer has been pitching well this spring, yesterday he threw 3 innings of 1 hit ball. So far this spring he’s only allowed 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run in 7 innings of work. Justin has maintained a 3yr average K/I ratio of .95, which is almost a K per inning. Additionally he has an extremely low BB% which aids both his WHIP and ERA numbers. Justin’s ’07 season was a complete anomaly, we’re projecting the A’s #4 starter to have a decent season (1.35 WHIP/ 154 K). He is one of our deep sleeper candidates in the very late rounds of your 2008 draft.

Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez rebounded nicely yesterday, when he threw 4 innings of 3 hit baseball (with 3 Ks). Jimenez is a groundball pitcher (60/40) which plays well in his home field. His splits from last year indicate little difference in opposing batter SLG% at home verses on the road. He’s probably not draft-able as a starter in shallow leagues, but someone who is definitely worth a reserve slot.

Wandy Rodriguez only allowed 5 base-runners over his 4 innings of work. His pitches were impressive, as he K’ed 5 during the short stint. His K ratio has improved to a very favorable factor over his 3 year career, indicators also point to an improved ERA in ’08. Another late round sleeper.

The more we see Atlanta’s JoJo Reyes, the more we back off his projections for ’08. Last week Reyes gave up 6 hits in 2 innings of work, yesterday he gave up 5 walks in 2 innings of work.

Japanese export Hiroki Kuroda (Dodgers) struggled against the  Cardinals yesterday, allowing 5 hits, and 2 earned runs in only 2 innings of work. It was Kuroda’s first poor start in 3 appearances. Kurdora has a good control ratio 2.8 K/BB, but had a modest K/I ratio of .74 in Japan. He’s a late bloomer with max upside as a #3 on your fantasy roster. Most likely as a #4.

Rich Harden got lit up by the Cubs split squad yesterday, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks over 3 innings. Harden’s velocity is reportedly back to normal. Rich blamed his outing on a change in delivery he’s experimenting with. Harden believes he has discovered a pitching flaw which he’s working to adjust this spring. We’re fretting a bit as he’s allowed 13 base runners and 6 runs in just 6 innings this spring. All eyes on Rich Harden over his next 2 outings.