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Fantasy Baseball: 10 veteran pitchers who can be difference makers in 2020

By Darwin (Deni) Martin

Justin Verlander, Houston Astros (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Justin Verlander, Houston Astros (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 25: Relief pitcher Ian Kennedy #31 of the Kansas City Royals throws in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees during game two of a doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

7. Ian Kennedy, righthanded reliever, Kansas City Royals

  • 2011 – Rated No. 13  by CBS fantasy baseball with 300.5 points
    • Starting pitcher for Arizona Diamondbacks
    • 8-3 record on 7/4/2011
    • ERA – 3.28 / WHIP – 1.14
  • 2019 – Failed to make Top 50 in the regular season according to MLB.com
    • Relief pitcher for Kansas City Royals
    • 3-2 record last year
    • ERA – 3.41 / WHIP – 1.28
  • Age – 35 / 13 years experience

Comments – 2019 was the 1st year the Royals used Kennedy as a reliever.  They are hoping he will be like Wade Davis, who made the switch from starting to relieving last decade.

8. Jon Lester,  lefthanded starter, Chicago Cubs

  • 2011 – Rated No. 18 by CBS fantasy baseball with 280.5 points
    • Starting pitcher for Boston Red Sox
    • 10-4 record on 7/4/2011
    • ERA – 3.43 / WHIP – 1.24
  • 2019 – Finished No. 51 among pitchers in the regular season according to MLB.com
    • Starting pitcher for Chicago Cubs
    • 13-10 record last year
    • ERA – 4.46 / WHIP – 1.50
  • Age – 36 / 13 years experience

Comments – The Cubs have not given up on Jon Lester.  They expected him to bounce back from the worst season in his career.  Recent team evaluations have Lester slated to be the No. 3 starter.

9. Gio Gonzalez, lefthanded starter, Chicago White Sox

  • 2011 – Rated No. 19 by CBS fantasy baseball with 279 points
    • Starting pitcher for Oakland Athletics
    • 8-5 record on 7/4/2011
    • ERA – 2.31 / WHIP – 1.23
  • 2019 – Failed to make Top 60 in the regular season according to MLB.com
    • Starting pitcher for Milwaukee Brewers
    • 3-2 record last year
    • ERA – 2.31 / WHIP – 1.23
  • Age – 34 / 12 years experience

Comments – Gonzalez was signed to a one-year deal by the White Sox to provide much-needed depth to their starting rotation.  He could be Chicago’s No. 3, 4 or 5 starter in the shortened 2020 season.

10. Cole Hamels, lefthanded starter, Atlanta Braves

  • 2011 – Rated No. 5 by CBS fantasy baseball wih 345 points
    • Starting pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies
    • 9-4 record on 7/4/2011
    • ERA – 2.41 / WHIP – 0.94
  • 2019 – Failed to make Top 60 in the regular season according to MLB.com
    • Starting pitcher for Chicago Cubs
    • 7-7 record last year
    • ERA – 3.81 / WHIP – 1.39
  • Age – 36 / 14 years experience

Comments – Misfortune seems to be Hamels’ companion.  He signed an $18 million deal with the Braves on December 4, 2019 and then injured his shoulder while training for the upcoming 2020 season.  Though he will miss the start of the season, the Braves are looking forward to plugging him into their rotation as a No. 4 or 5 starter.

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Out of MLB as pitchers

The following players were on the july 4, 2011 list of best pitchers but are no longer on an active MLB roster.

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