Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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5.
Justin Verlander
Verlander had groin surgery which will sideline him for several weeks. But given the postponement of the season, it seems unlikely to threaten Verlander's availability for Opening Day, whenever that may be. Although surgery is never a good sign, in the end, it's better for Verlander that he could get this out of the way now rather than have it linger. For now, keep him high on your draft boards.
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17.
Zack Greinke
Greinke didn't see the patented Astros bump after a mid-season trade, as his overall numbers actually declined a bit after his move from the Diamondbacks. His ERA and WHIP remain outstanding, but his strikeout rate continues to decline, such that it now actively does not help fantasy owners. Still, he's nearly a lock for 200 innings, plenty of wins, and solid peripherals, making him a fine addition to any fantasy staff. But with his advancing age, don't bank on him necessarily being a top-20 pitcher.
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50.
Lance McCullers Jr.
McCullers missed all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but he should be ready to go this year. His devastating curveball keeps hitters off balance, and his ability to mix pitches is elite. There's risk from the injury and he may be rusty, but McCullers offers rare upside. He'll likely be on an innings limit this year, but that shouldn't come into play with the postponement of the season.
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62.
Jose Urquidy
Urquidy seemingly has the fourth starter's role locked down, and he offers and intriguing pitch mix, with an above-average fastball and changeup, with a decent slider.It's unlikely that the soon to be 25-year-old will develop into a consistent fantasy starter given his inconsistency, but he certainly has enough upside, as he showed in the playoffs, to warrant rostering in all fantasy leagues.
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83.
Josh James
James still has legitimate ace upside if he can harness his arsenal and find his way into Houston's rotation. There is a chance this fireballer breaks camp in the rotation and if he does, we may just be looking at 200+ strikeouts in 2020. After all, his on-paper ratios may not seem great from 2019, but his xWOBa was above the likes of Mike Clevinger, Stephen Strasburg, Blake Snell and Walker Buehler. I don't need to tell you that this means he has ace stuff. But folks, he just might be the best pitcher in the Astros rotation this year if they give him the ball in the first inning.
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112.
Forrest Whitley
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141.
Brad Peacock
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192.
Framber Valdez
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201.
Bryan Abreu
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213.
Rogelio Armenteros
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284.
Cristian Javier
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305.
Brandon Bielak
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320.
Blake Taylor
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408.
Cy Sneed
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445.
Tyler Ivey
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