Los Angeles Dodgers To Sign Yaisel Sierra: Fantasy Fallout
By Bill Pivetz
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to invest in pitching by signing Cuban pitcher Yaisel Sierra. Will he be a factor in the rotation this year?
This has been a busy offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After signing Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda, management looked to Cuba for another pitcher, more specifically Yaisel Sierra. Sierra is pretty much ready for the big leagues, but a spot in the Dodgers rotation is highly unlikely. So, what is his fantasy value and is he worth owning in 2016?
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In his five seasons in the Cuban National Series, 131 games, he went 16-21 with a 4.23 ERA, 1.490 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 and 5.0 BB/9. The command was his downside for a bit. In his most recent season, he pitched in 36 games (no starts) and had a 7.69 ERA, 1.629 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9 and 10.2 H/9.
Sierra showcased his talents in October for about 350 scouts. Teddy Cahill of Baseball America gave his recap of the throwing session. He was throwing his fastball in the mid-90s and a slider that clocked in at 87 MPH. The comparision he’s been receiving is to Cincinnati Reds right-hander Raisel Iglesias with a little less command.
He has some starting experience, but I don’t think it’s enough to warrant a rotation spot. Also, the Dodgers’ rotation is overloaded with talent. Sierra will likely spend 2016 in the bullpen as management continues to analyze him for a starting job in the future.
Ben Badler of Baseball America gave his expectations of what Sierra can be as a starting pitcher.
Looks like a midrotation SP when he's at his best. Reasons to think he can improve control, but it's a risk factor. https://t.co/ZN5sR4ONDq
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) January 12, 2016
This is why I, along with many others, believe the bullpen is the best start for Sierra. If the Dodgers want to see what they have in him as a starter, they could easily put him in a long relief role. He could go out there and pitch three or four innings in relief. However, there isn’t much fantasy value in a middle relief pitcher in standard leagues.
Next: Orioles Sign Yovani Gallardo: Fantasy Fallout
The Los Angeles Dodgers are picking up young pitching to prepare for the future. The rotation is occupied by some aging veterans that are at the end of their careers. Sierra has a decently high ceiling, but it doesn’t come without concern. He high walk rate is going to be a problem, but his lack of fly balls is promising as Dodger Stadium leans towards being pitcher friendly.
Unfortunately, he should not be drafted in standard 10-team leagues, but does have value in keeper and dynasty leagues as a possible starting pitcher.
Projections: 2-2, 2.80 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 28 strikeouts
Draft: N/A