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Discussion Question

We are still on "Jeri is sick" protocol around these parts, so here is a discussion question to keep you guys entertained.

Which rookie pitcher would you rather have for 2010 ONLY...Brian Matusz of Baltimore, or Wade Davis of Tampa Bay. Don't worry about any season past 2010, and assume that both pitchers will be in the rotation on opening day.


Matusz shows up slightly higher than Davis on most prospect lists, but do you like him better than Davis JUST FOR 2010? Try to approach this one from a fantasy perspective, so things like the support of teammates can factor into your decision.

Poll
Who would you prefer for your fantasy team for 2010, Wade Davis or Brian Matusz?

  1037 votes | Results

0 recs  |  Comment 17 comments  |  Add comment

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Comments

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I went Matusz

I like Davis and obviously he was great in his brief ML stint last year, but I think Matusz is the better pitcher and he should have opportunity to pitch.

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by The Big Hurt on Feb 4, 2026 7:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Matusz

This is a real toss up, but I ended up going w/ Matusz b/c I really like his arsenal of 4 different pitches. But that’s not a saying a lot b/c both of these guys are so advanced for rookies IMO, I really think they could both have very good seasons.

by jayjay on Feb 4, 2026 7:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

With equal teams = Matusz

But since we’re taking into account their teammates as well and we’re thinking strictly from a fantasy perspective. I’ll take the team with the better defense and better win potential in a question that for 2010 is fairly close (Davis vs Matusz) so give me Davis.

by cowboy4eva on Feb 4, 2026 8:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Davis by a hair

Going against the grain a little bit here because I really like Matusz. I just think for 2010 if Davis is in the starting rotation he is going to get better results because of the better players around him.

by Pup Dog on Feb 4, 2026 8:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

wow

I’m surprised the voting is this close. I went Matusz all the way without even considering Davis. IMHO, it’s not all that close. We’re comparing a good #3 starter with a potential Ace.

by rmarx on Feb 4, 2026 9:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

We are looking at 2010 only

Whether or not Matusz will be superior long-term is not relevant here. I like Davis better in 2010. He has more experience in professional ball and plays for an arguably better team. I am an Orioles fan and despite my belief in Matusz, I’d take Wade Davis in 2010.

by jaroche6 on Feb 4, 2026 10:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

#3?

I’d concede Matusz is better overall, but I think you’re under-selling Davis as a #3. BA has him as a potential John Lackey clone - more of a solid #2 than a 3.

by FI2 on Feb 5, 2026 7:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Ings

Matusz has clearest path to a rotation spot, though I think Davis has a great shot to get 150 ings he does have more competition of riches. Davis has to beat out Sonnestine and other prospects, I believe he’s projected 5th starter right now, Matusz is projected 4th starter in Baltimore (Bergesson 3rd)

If both pitch similar ings I think Davis does better year 1 as he’s a little more seasoned and MLB ready. i picked Davis but Matusz may pitch more

by ribman on Feb 4, 2026 9:50 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Matusz...

because he’s better.

by SenorGato on Feb 4, 2026 11:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I'm surprised it's virtually 50/50.

Matusz proved me wrong in ’09.

He’s legit.

Brett Anderson is the Truth. Brett Anderson is divine presence. Brett Anderson is eternal life. Brett Anderson is within you. Brett Anderson is here. Brett Anderson is Now.

by Frederick0220 on Feb 4, 2026 11:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I love Matusz

but I actually voted Davis. Matusz definitely has better potential, but I think Matusz will get more innings but have higher ERA (mid-4s) and WHIP (1.30-1.35) , probably near equal or slightly more Ks though. I think Davis will peak early though and Matusz will break out in 2011.

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by The Congo Hammer on Feb 5, 2026 12:19 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Davis Easily

I think Davis has the better stuff and he definitely is pitching for the better team, which will be evident by his win total. Davis is nasty when he has his command, Matusz probably has the higher upside long term but for 2010 it is a landslide for Davis for me

by topjimmy on Feb 5, 2026 1:06 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Thanks, but . . .

I don’t need to be entertained (not five years old).

by gogotabata on Feb 5, 2026 7:09 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Went with Matusz

I like both, but I think Matusz’ control will lead to a lower WHIP than Davis, and the other usual fantasy stats should be roughly the same.

Fortunately, I have both in my AL-only roto league, along with Brett Anderson. I’m happy with my starting pitching for the first time in a few years.

by garry maddox on Feb 5, 2026 9:32 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Matusz easily

LHP, slightly better stuff, and Davis’ major league debut is a bit overrated. This coming from a Rays fan - I don’t think it’s even close.

On the other hand though, I’m not looking at this from a fantasy perspective, but a winning real games perspective. When the season’s over, I think Matusz will have the higher WAR.

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by Brickhaus on Feb 5, 2026 9:56 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

fantasy thoughts here

1. it’s for 2010 only, not career, and 2. for fantasy purposes

i voted davis for a few reasons…matusz strikes me as a guy that the orioles will handle very carefully, so it wouldn’t surprise me that he has more starts, but less innings, and certainly less decisions…for 5×5 categories, to review their minor league track record for controllable statistics, matusz would be awesome in comparison…however, their major league brief debuts of virtually equal use were basically in line for davis and a huge spike negatively in all categories for matusz…the biggest difference in their track records - 400IP at AA or above for Davis before his MLB debut, 46 IP at AA or above for Matusz….

i see matusz long-term as the better option if nothing else for opportunity….he’s a lefty with positive stuff, meaning that even if the stuff stalemates, he’ll get plenty of opportunities….davis being a righty will get less chances if the stuff doesn’t translate to the majors…davis has plenty of higher level competition experience, which makes me think his debut wasn’t out of line for what to expect from him….i worry matusz will have some more correction time for mlb hitters that could look a lot like 2009’s debut…rack in that davis has been stretched out more in the past, so he’ll likely have a longer leash in games than matusz, who will likely be closely monitored in pitch counts and total innings pitched….i’d not be surprised if davis beat out matusz in all five categories, and right now, i see davis likely winning wins, total strikeouts (simply because of likely more innings), and ERA…now….that said, i could see myself be totally blown away by matusz this year and looking the fool on this….but for now, i would put more trust in davis for a fantasy-only perspective in the 2010 season….

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

by biggentleben on Feb 5, 2026 11:29 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Matusz

Before reading the comments, my initial reaction was easily Matusz. I didn’t really factor in his team around him.

Though I like Davis’ stuff, Matusz has better control of more average to plus pitches. His secondary stuff will help him a good deal, especially compared to when big league hitters simply sit dead-red on Davis if and when he has trouble controlling his secondary offerings.

by anjichpa on Feb 5, 2026 2:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs


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