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Emerging Young AL pitchers:

I'll try to include most interesting younger AL pitchers that I can think of, though I'll probably miss a few.  But I feel that a few of these guys really warrant some discussion since they may be important pitchers over the rest of the year.

 

Josh Outman - According to FanGraphs, he ranks in the top 10 in the league in Fastball Velocity.  I don't know what it used to be, but this definitely makes him intriguing and suggests potential beyond his 4th starter projected upside.  If he can improve his control, he can be a real sleeper.  I'd grab him if he is still available in your AL-only or deeper mixed league.

Scott Richmond - Okay so he's not young, but he did come out of nowhere, and is displaying fastball velocity around 92 mph, so I don't think he's just another Matt Palmer.  But will he keep his rotation spot when other pitchers come back?  I do think he's better than Ray.

Ricky Romero - Burst onto the scene after dull minors numbers, now injured but will be back soon.  If he can keep that same control he was displaying, he could be a strong #3 starter.  His stuff is definitely good enough...

Dontrelle Willis - Yes, it's been just one start, but hey, he one hit the friggin Texas Rangers.  I'd wait and see what he can do if you can afford to, but the point is that it looks like that potential that seemed to have vanished has come back with this off time.  I'm definitely keeping a close eye on him.

Brett Cecil - despite last night's slugfest, he still has had a few great starts, which surprised some after he was struggling in the minors.  He has the stuff and poise to succeed now, and probably has higher upside than anyone else on this list.

Brian Tallet - Has been solid as a reliever, has probably overproduced as a starter as his K/BB indicates some regression is on the way, but I'm sure he's been a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

Rich Hill - Deserves a mention after his lost 2008 season and signs of a potential comeback (I know, sample size).  I'm not expecting 2007 production, but the K potential seems strong, and Baltimore's great defensive outfield could save him a few runs.

Robert Ray - 25 year old has been solid enough, posting a 3.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, but I don't think his stuff will hold up so well in the long-term. I honestly haven't read up much on the guy though.

 

What do you think of these starters?  Sorry I know I failed to include some people, I didn't spend a lot of time on this, but feel free to add your own guys into the discussion.

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