Volstad or J. Zimmerman long-term?

by psugator on May 11, 2009 1:52 PM EDT Comment 13 comments

I can usually figure out my own trades but this one leaves me puzzled.....I've liked Chris Volstad for some time. Some of that might have to do with me living 25 minutes from the stadium and being a big Marlins' ever since the team began in '93. My mancrush is pretty obvious to the rest of the guys in my fantasy league....Well a few weeks ago I broached the possibility of acquiring Volstad via trade. The owner looked at my team and picked out Jordan Zimmerman as the guy he wanted in return. At first, i got excited, thinking that this was a steal for me, but after looking things up thought that Zimmerman might be the better long-term play.

my league scores strikeouts, era, whip, saves, holds, wins

Here are some things that stand out in Volstad's favor................

1. His mentor was Jim Palmer, which has to be a good thing

2. He gives up very few hits

3. He plays on a team that is more competitive than the Nationals and will probably be more competitive for years to come (though I can see the Nats getting better once Strasburg becomes polished)....

4. Landshark Stadium (just sounds awful) is more pitcher-friendly

5. Volstad is a bit farther along in his developmental arc than Zimmerman (he's already through with the struggles that a younger pitcher like Zimmerman will face)

Here are some things that stand out in Zimmerman's favor

1. His stuff is more overpowering than Volstad's, meaning that he has the ability to become an ace. And that helps me considering strikeouts are a category in my league

i'm at a loss here. would be great if you guys could help me with this decision

Poll

Which starting pitcher is the better long-term play in a league that scores wins, strikeouts, ERA and whip (among other things)?

Jordan Zimmerman

113 votes

Chris Volstad

90 votes

203 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 13 comments

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Comments

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I don’t think Volstad has as much fantasy value in this format. You’re not going to be rewarded by his strong groundball tendencies, and you’re going to be victimized by his penchant for walks, a relative lack of strikeouts and a lesser WHIP, while Zimmerman isn’t likely to penalized much, fantasy wise, for allowing more XBH.

by WrenFGun on May 11, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

Long term, fantasy wise, I like Zimmerman better as well. I prefer Volstad overall, I think.

by toonsterwu on May 11, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Go with Volstad

He’s a player you really like, which will just add another reason to root for him when he is pitching. Fantasy should be fun, and what is more fun than having your favorites players on your team so you can root for them twice as hard. If this was a lopsided trade, I wouldn’t be as quick to say “keep the player you like more”, but since it’s pretty even I think, go with the player you like.

"My mom always taught me it's better to laugh at yourself than to laugh at others. She was so wrong. ;)" -Pedrophile

by Boxkutter on May 11, 2009 3:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Going with Volstad

I think he has the stuff for the strikeouts to come, even though he relies heavily on getting groundballs.

Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!

by Dewey Finn on May 11, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I voted for Volstad

For two reasons…first off, he doesn’t play on the Nationals. I’m sorry, it has to be a factor. What would you rather have, a pitcher that gets you 200 K’s and 9 wins or 14 wins and 165 K’s?

Reason #2….Volstad’s younger! I know, hard to believe, but Volstad was rushed for a reason. He’s mentally ready. Kid will be at the top of the rotation for a long, long time.

by rutgersjpm on May 11, 2009 4:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry..

Read that wrong. Zimmerman is 4 months younger. 4 months younger, and gives up 2.5 more earned runs per 9. Not a good month to run ratio if you ask me.

by rutgersjpm on May 11, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow...

would be nice if those people who voted for zimmerman could give me their reasons. i got off work at 3 p.m. and still have this trade going through my head. and from the poll, i still haven’t gotten a grasp of it.

by psugator on May 11, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

zimmerman

I voted for zimmerman because he is very polished, poised and doesnt walk many hitters…I own zimmerman in a dynast league and we get to keep our players forever. His minor league numbers were outstanding and although his era is high right now, it can really be attributed to one start against the Cardinals and a poor first inning against the Dodgers. In the loss to the Cards he struck out 6 and didnt walk anyone and in the start against the Dodgers he gave up runs in teh first and then didnt give up a run for the rest of the time he was in.

by miraclemets on May 11, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zimm

cuz hes that good

by METSMETSMETS on May 11, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zimmerman

In a few years I wonder how many kids will like the Nationals and the Zimmerman brothers? Like in the mid 90s when I thought the Braves had the Jones brothers….

by kershaw_equals_stud on May 12, 2009 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

They are not brothers!!

Ryan Zimmerman

Jordan Zimmermann

They spell their names different.

by Summa Slugga on May 12, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that was the point

The Jones brothers on the Braves? They came in different shades…

by Fanon on May 12, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

close call but

I like zimmermann due to his ability to strike out people…sure he’s on the Nats, but they have to be better sooner or later, right?

I like Volstad too, but the chances of Fredi Gonzalez abusing his arm is high; and as someone pointed out earlier, his groundballs won’t help you much in the K department.
I happened to manage to draft both of them and have been pleased with the results.

Zimmermann, I believe has a chance to a a very solid #2, and Volstad, probably a #3. but, that’s just my 2c.

"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"

by feslenraster on May 12, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs