X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Cincinnati Reds Pitching Analysis: 2014 Fantasy Baseball

By Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Brian Polking prepares you for the 2014 fantasy baseball draft season with MLB analysis and projections on the Cincinnati Reds, previewing their starting pitchers and fantasy values.

The Cincinnati Reds underwhelmed as a team in 2013, finishing third in the NL Central and losing in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. However, their pitching staff emerged as one of the best in the majors. The Reds’ staff finished last season with the best WHIP in all of baseball, ranking third in team ERA and sixth in total strikeouts. Needless to say, there were a few viable fantasy options helping to put up those strong numbers, and with four of their five starting pitchers back from last season, the Reds should provide plenty of pitching help for fantasy owners again in 2014. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the fantasy value of the Reds’ starters and relevant relievers for the upcoming season.

 

2014 Cincinnati Reds Pitching Staff Preview

Johnny Cueto (SP): Coming off a year when a lat strain limited him to just 11 starts, Cueto is expected to be Cincinnati’s starter on Opening Day. In his limited action in 2013, he went 5-2 with a 2.82 ERA and 1.05 WHIP while striking out 51 in 60.2 innings. When healthy, Cueto looked every bit the pitcher that won 19 games in 2012 and posted a 2.78 ERA over 217.0 innings.  He isn’t a top-tier fantasy starter because he isn’t a 200+ strikeout guy, but he is a solid No. 3 fantasy starter capable of delivering 15+ wins to go along with a great ERA and WHIP. It is worth noting that he does have a little hitch in his delivery that he uses to hide the ball from opposing hitters, and that may be related to the lat issues that nagged him throughout last season. If the injury persists and he has to alter his delivery in the middle of the season, there is no telling how that will impact his numbers. As a result, fantasy owners may want to be a little conservative and try to grab him around the 10th round, rather than in the seventh or eighth round that his numbers in a healthy season would warrant.

 

Mat Latos (SP): Since becoming a full-time starter in the majors in 2010, Latos has been one of the most reliable and durable pitchers around, and 2013 was no exception. He finished last season with a 14-7 record to go along with a 3.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 210.2 innings. Latos has won 14 games in three of his four seasons as a starter, posting an ERA of 3.48 or lower in each season while striking out at least 185 batters. He has also made at least 31 starts in each of those four seasons. Like I said, Latos has been rock-solid, and his ability to provide quality value in every pitching category outside of saves makes him a strong No. 2 starter in fantasy formats. Don’t let Latos slip past the fifth round of your drafts.

 

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (34)

Homer Bailey (SP): After showing signs of finally living up to his potential in 2012, Bailey had his much-anticipated breakout year in 2013. His 3.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP were both the best of his career, and he struck out a career-high 199 in 209.0 innings. Granted, he won just 11 games, but some blown saves and only 3.88 runs of support on average played a role in that total. Heading into 2014, Bailey is slotted to be the No. 3 starter in the Cincinnati rotation, but he has by far the most real-life and fantasy upside of any of the team’s starters. Since joining the rotation at the end of 2008, the former first-round pick has improved his ERA, WHIP and strikeout totals in every year of his career. If that trend continues, Bailey is set to be a 200+ strikeout guy with excellent percentages. Obviously, one strong season doesn’t guarantee Bailey’s place as a top-tier fantasy starter, but come the fourth round of drafts, he is worth the gamble because of his upside.

 

Mike Leake (SP): Leake enjoyed the best season of his four-year professional career in 2013, winning a career-high 14 games while posting a career-best 3.37 ERA. He also managed a career high in strikeouts, albeit just 122 in 192.1 innings pitched. While the solid season solidifies Leake’s spot in Cincinnati’s rotation, his fantasy value remains minimal. Keep in mind that even in his solid 2013 campaign, he still allowed opponents to hit .262 while striking out only 5.71 batters per nine innings. Considering those numbers, his ERA is likely to hover around his career average of 3.99 in 2014 rather than the 3.37 ERA he posted last year. Throw in the lack of strikeouts, and Leake just isn’t worth a permanent roster spot. From time to time, he will make a serviceable streaming option when he has a favorable matchup, but that’s about it.

 

Tony Cingrani (SP): Injuries forced the 24-year-old lefty into action last year, and Cingrani made the most of the opportunity. He finished with a 7-4 record while posting a 2.92 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He also displayed some legit power stuff, striking out 120 in 104.2 innings. With Bronson Arroyo becoming a free agent in the offseason, Cingrani will open the year as the No. 5 starter for the Reds. The guaranteed rotation spot makes him a viable late-round fantasy option because while his ERA is likely to rise as hitters make adjustments, his win and strikeout totals are going to improve, as well. Cingrani struck out 10.92 batters per nine innings last year, so exceeding 200 strikeouts isn't out of the question. At the very least, he can be a cheap source of Ks, and he has too much potential not to be scooped up in the mid-to-late rounds.

 

Aroldis Chapman (RP): While it is looking less and less likely that Chapman will ever be a starter in the majors, he has used his record-setting fastball to become one of the top closers in the game. Last year, Chapman logged 38 saves with a 2.54 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He also struck out 112 batters in just 63.2 innings, giving him the most Ks of any closer. In fact, Chapman has led all closers in strikeouts in both of his seasons as Cincinnati’s ninth-inning stopper, ranking in the top 10 in saves both seasons. Normally, fantasy owners can afford to wait on closers and chase saves throughout the season, but Chapman is one of the few relievers worth investing a high pick on. After all, he will approach 40 saves, and he is also a lock for 100+ strikeouts, so he contributes even in non-save situations. Chapman is a top-three fantasy closer, and he is well worth a look come the fourth or fifth round of standard drafts.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout with Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
LeBron James

Accepts Player Option
Anfernee Simons

"a Possible Re-Trade Candidate"
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Josh Naylor

Exits Friday's Contest Early with Neck Stiffness
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF