ATL: John Smoltz - 2.09/8.77/8.40
- Another year older, Smoltz figures to start showing his age a bit in 2008. That's not saying much though, as he's still likely to be one of the top starting pitchers in the NL. He's off on the wrong foot, starting 2008 on the DL with a sore (throwing) shoulder, but is expected to make his first start of the year as soon as he is eligible to come off the disabled list, on April 6th. WAVE projects 3.53/14/0/181/1.206 in 194 IP.
- Hudson returned to form in 2007 after a disastrous '06, and is slated to pitch the Braves first game of the season with Smoltz landing on the DL. 2006 looks like more of an aberration than anything else, so Hudson should be counted on for solid stats across the board again in '08. 3.86/15/0/126/1.331 in 217 IP.
- Glavine isn't the pitcher he once was, but can still prove to be effective by locating his pitches and outsmarting his opponents. He doesn't provide much for fantasy purposes though, aside from the potential to win some games. WAVE is projecting a 4.52/11/0/86/1.386 line in 189 IP.
- Hampton has won a job in Atlanta's starting rotation, and will try to stick there for the full season, after missing all of 2006 and 2007 with elbow injuries. Relying on more than 130 IP from him could prove costly to the Braves and fantasy owners alike. He could surprise with solid rate stats, even in limited time in '08. WAVE: 4.20/8/0/55/1.428 in 133 IP.
- Only 22 years old, and having never pitched at AAA, Jurrjens is likely to struggle at times in his first full season in the big leagues. If Chuck James can come back healthy, it may be Jair that loses his rotation spot. However, with a Hampton injury a major possibility, it's still likely that Jurrjens will see a fair amount of MLB action in '08. WAVE is pegging him at 4.92/10/0/117/1.436 in 172 IP.
- Hendrickson will get the nod as the Ace of the young Marlins staff. Though he did show a spike in his K rate in '07, an ERA over 5 while pitching half your games in Chavez Ravine is not a good sign. WAVE sees a 5.16/9/0/100/1.477 line in 176 IP.
- Despite his disappointing second season, Olsen still has a ton of potential, and is likely to be the best pitcher on the staff at years end. Fantasy owners have to like the potential for K's, and WAVE has him posting the following numbers: 4.79/11/0/150/1.548 in 186 IP.
- Acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit, Miller is a highly talented and touted left hander. Andrew doesn't appear like he's quite ready for a Major League rotation, but a decent Spring showing (despite a poor K/BB rate) has put him in line to be in Florida's 2008 plans. There should be some major bumps in the road for the 22 year old in his first full season. WAVE: 5.42/8/0/138/1.560 in 166 IP.
- VandenHurk may be the only Marlin SP aside from Scott Olsen worth rostering in mixed leagues in 2008, based solely on an excellent K rate. The rest of the numbers aren't there yet, but the Incredible Hurk is only 22, and looks like a good bet for keeper league owners. WAVE projects: 5.20/10/0/177/1.590 in 173 IP.
- Nolasco makes up for a high hit rate with solid control. Ricky missed much of 2007 with elbow problems, but is expected to be healthy for '08, and occupy the 5th starter role. He's opening the season in middle relief until the Marlins need a 5th starter, and it's likely he'll be skipped from time to time, limiting his IP. WAVE sees 4.80/5/0/86/1.431 in 137 IP.
- The new (f)ace of the New York Mets, Santana should enjoy throwing to pitchers in place of designated hitters every 5th day. Shea is a good pitchers park, and Santana will be backed by a solid offense, making him an early favourite for the Cy Young award. WAVE: 2.80/18/0/236/1.018 in 225 IP.
- The shoulder injury really doesn't scare me, as it's likely that Martinez has pitched through injury since 2001 or so, and still put up fantastic results. He looked good in his late season comeback in '07, and has another offseason of rest and rehabilitation under his belt. Pedro is a major sleeper on a contending team, and potential fantasy ace. WAVE likes him to go 3.33/16/0/205/1.073 in 203 IP.
- John Maine has followed up his breakout '07 campaign with a simply dominant Spring Training, posting a 1.53 ERA in 29.3 IP, to go along with 33 K's. Already difficult to hit, if Maine could better harness his control, he'd be an elite starting pitcher. WAVE is projecting 3.98/15/0/186/1.293 in 208 IP.
- Mets fans and fantasy owners alike, are hopeful that the 2005-06 version of Perez doesn't make an appearance in '08. Oliver was downright dominant in '04, leading the Majors in K's/9IP, and nearly returned to full form in '07. Regardless, he should get plenty of run support from the NY Mets Squadron, and provide a solid number of strikeouts. WAVE: 4.12/15/0/188/1.276 in 192 IP.
- Pelfrey will hold down the Mets 5th starter gig until Orlando Hernandez proves healthy and ready to take over. Mike didn't show much at AAA or in the bigs last season, and probably isn't ready to be a major contributer just yet. WAVE sees 5.70/7/0/69/1.583 in 120 IP for '08.
- Even with Brett Myers back in the rotation, Hamels is clearly the ace of the staff. WAVE sees continued improvement in '08, Hamels' third year in the starting rotation. 3.24/17/0/208/1.126 in 214 IP.
- Myers took to the bullpen well last season, and may have trouble adjusting back to the rotation and high IP totals. Really, Brett doesn't need to top 200 IP to provide fantasy value, as he possesses a strong K rate, and will get plenty of offensive support from the Phils. WAVE: 4.10/15/0/181/1.295 in 193 IP.
- In the past, I had been an advocate of taking Moyer on the cheap on draft day, and reaping the surprising rewards. Year after year, Moyer would prove the naysayers wrong, and posted solid numbers into his late 30's and early 40's. The magic has to end at some point, and with an aging pitcher, it usually happens all of a sudden. Moyer will be 46 this year, and posted an ERA over 5, and his worst WHIP since 2000, last season. WAVE is calling for a 5.59/10/0/98/1.599 line in 177 IP.
- No, Kendrick wasn't traded to Japan. He'll open the season as the Phils 5th starter, and look to build on his promising rookie season. Kyle isn't overpowering, instead utilizing his outstanding control to get batters out. A cheap option in fantasy to garner some wins, based on the Phillies outstanding run support. WAVE pegs him at 4.39/12/0/88/1.317 in 205 IP.
- Perez will get the nod to start opening day for the Nats, but doesn't have any fantasy value, or upside at this point. I was surprised to learn that he's only 30 years old; it seems like he's been around forever. WAVE: 5.80/8/0/88/1.523 in 149 IP.
- One of the few bright spots in the Nationals rotation, Bergmann figures to be leading it by seasons end. WAVE sees a 4.65/10/0/146/1.294 line in 180 IP for '08.
- Once a prized Astros farmhand, Redding got himself signed by the Nationals as a minor league free agent by posting great numbers in AAA in '06. Aside from the high WHIP, Tim performed admirably with Washington in '07, and will look to build on that success in 2008. WAVE projects him to go 4.68/9/0/109/1.445 in 173 IP.
- Chico will eat some innings at the back of the Nats rotation, but is only 24, and could show some improvement in '08. WAVE: 4.79/8/0/106/1.500 in 186 IP.
- No one on the Nationals staff has more upside, or more injury risk attached to them, than Hill. If he can manage to stay healthy, he'd easily be mixed league worthy, but thats a major 'if'. Hill has missed time with several arm ailments and surgeries over the years, and is starting 2008 on the DL with a sore right forearm. Buyer beware. 3.82/9/0/93/1.134 in 139 IP.
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