Quick Hit: Scott Baker
2008 Statistics:
11 Wins
172.1 Innings
3.45 ERA
1.18 WHIP
141 Strikeouts (7.36 K/9)
42 Walks (2.19 BB/9)
.290 BABIP
Thoughts:
Baker has proven to be one of the elite control pitchers in the league, even when he struggled with a 1.56 WHIP in ‘06 and 1.33 WHIP in ‘07. Those seasons came courtesy of bad BABIP, .359 and .327 respectively, and considering his career 2.01 BB/9 as long as he has decent luck he’s going to post a tremendous WHIP.
He’s not an elite strikeout pitcher, but he’s continued to improve as he’s gained more and more experience. I’m not sure he’s going to improve on what he did, but if he can repeat it you will get plenty of value out of him.
The Twins will look to compete in the AL Central and should be able to make a run at the title. I know we always say not to draft based on wins, but it’s nice to know that he’s got the potential to be a 15-16 game winner, doesn’t it?
2009 Projection:
186.0 IP, 15 W, 3.88 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 156 K (7.39 K/9), 42 BB (1.99 BB/9)
Conclusion:
He’s not going to be a fantasy ace, so don’t draft him expecting such. What he is going to be is a pitcher who should continue to pitch to a solid ERA, despite calling the AL home. He’s also going to be among the league leaders in WHIP, making him a pitcher well worth targeting late in your draft. Pair him with a strikeout pitcher, even if he is a slightly higher WHIP, and look for it to be a dangerous combo. I have him with Billingsley in my keeper league and I think it’s a perfect marriage.
What do you think? Is he a player you think is worth owning? Am I being too optimistic?
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
I’m a big fan of Baker. Liriano will be the first Twins Pitcher taken, but I think Baker will be the best value pick.
Not to be picky, but this states that the Twins are in the AL West. Last I checked, they are in the AL Central, right?
I am also a huge fan of Baker and think the projections are a little on the high side. I have him ranked in the same range as Greinke.
You are correct Corey, sorry about that.
I would agree that he could be similar to Greinke, though I think he will have a much better WHIP. When I did a Quick Hit on Greinke, I had him pegged with a 3.64 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, so that tells you how high I am on both of these young pitchers.
I like Slowey, too, on Minnesota. I think he’s someone who should continue to improve.