Tim Lincecum and Francisco Liriano can still rack up strikeouts
By Mike Marteny
We are on part nine of our ten part series of available players than can help you chase specific categories in roto or H2H category leagues. The next few days will focus on the pitchers.
I will give you three players each for standard, moderate, and deep leagues. Standard league players will be available in 10-50 percent of leagues. Moderate league players will be available in 50-90 percent of leagues. The deep leagues will focus on players owned in ten percent of leagues or less.
This column will focus on pitchers that can help you rack up strikeouts.
For hitters that can help in batting average, go here. For runs scored, go here. For home runs, go here. For RBI, go here. For stolen bases, go here.
For pitchers that can help in wins, go here. For ERA help, go here. For WHIP help, go here.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Standard Leagues:
Corey Kluber, Indians: He is still not 100 percent owned in ESPN leagues. This despite being second in the majors with 83 strikeouts in just 72.2 innings pitched. He is available in fewer places now than a week or two ago, but it is still worth checking to see if you can land him for free in your standard league.
Aaron Harang, Braves: Sure, you will have to deal with a clunker here and there, but Harang is still piling on the strikeouts. He has struck out five or more in all but two starts. Not bad for a guy that was undrafted in almost every league.
Tyson Ross, Padres: His wins are stifled a bit by the team he plays for, but the stats are legit. He is averaging almost a strikeout per inning on the season with a 2.64 ERA.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Moderate Leagues:
Ian Kennedy, Padres: Kennedy only has two wins on the season, but if you are strictly looking for strikeouts, he can be had for nothing in half of ESPN leagues. Kennedy has 66 strikeouts in only 61.2 innings pitched. And his ERA won’t hurt you much (3.79).
Tim Lincecum, Giants: From a strikeouts standpoint, he can still help you. Lincy is still averaging a strikeout per inning. The bad news is that he gives up a run every two innings. Oh, and he walks too many batters. He hasn’t had a walk-free outing since tax day. But if you feel like gambling a bit, Lincecum can still provide a good outing here and there, and the strikeouts have been consistent.
Francisco Liriano, Pirates: Liriano will never be the pitcher he was before Tommy John surgery, but he can still provide you some strikeouts. He is averaging one per inning this season. The bad news is that he still has not won a game, and his ERA and WHIP leave much to be desired. But if you can take the hit, he can give you strikeouts.
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) looks on from the dugout against the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Deep Leagues:
Drew Hutchison, Blue Jays: Hutchison has struck out 59 batters in 60 innings, and has walked just 18 batters this year. His WHIP and ERA are solid too. I understand that he is largely unproven, but he has put together enough quality outings that you can start giving him the benefit of the doubt. This may be sustainable.
Jake Odorizzi, Rays: Odorizzi was the prize of the James Shields deal. He has struggled at times in the majors this year, but from a strikeout perspective, he has been dominant. Odorizzi has struck out 52 batters in only 43.1 innings pitched. Odorizzi is pitching much better lately. He has not allowed more than three runs in five straight starts, but he still racks up his pitch count meaning he does not go deep into games.
Edwin Jackson, Cubs: Yes, EJax is still one of the most frustrating guys to own. He can put up some great outings, but he is also prone to Three Mile Island type meltdowns. He has 52 strikeouts in 58 innings, but an ERA just shy of 5, and a WHIP near 1.50. Use at your own risk.
Tomorrow is the tricky one. I will attempt to give you save vultures that are still available in the final installment of our series.
If you have any other categories that you would like to see done, leave a comment, and I will get to it in the next few days!