Week 6 Pitcher Rankings
Coming into this season I was bullish on Marlins closer Leo Nunez because he was going cheep in most drafts and I truly believed in his development over the off-season. So far, in 2011 Nunez has been on fire going perfect in each of his eleven save chances heading into the weekend.
While Nunez looks to have a firm grip on the ninth inning job in Florida, other questionable closers coming into this season have also shined as Brandon League, Craig Kimbrel and Joel Hanrahan have proven to be valueable draft day (or waiver wire pickups) additions through the first five weeks of the season.
While those closers should continue to shine, others like Jonathan Broxton and Brandon Lyon haven’t found as much luck and both have falling onto the disabled list this past week. Look to Vincente Padilla and Mark Melancon to be the top options for saves for their teams moving forward.
One starting pitcher that found his way back from the dead this past week was Francisco Liriano. I’m not sold that he will bounce back fully after his six walk, two strickout no hitter this week, but he’s worth having on your roster for now. This week Liriano is a projected two start pitcher but he faces the Red Sox and Blue Jays.
Facing those lineups, it’s not wonder why I have him listed as the 55th best starting pitcher this week, despite his two starts and his no hitter last week.
Trending Up
Francisco Liriano (for now), Max Scherzer, Tim Hudson, Tim Lincecum, Shaun Marcum, James Shields, Brandon Morrow, Kevin Correia, Jamie Garcia, Carlos Zambrano, Jair Jurrgens, Brian Duensing, Bud Norris
Closers
Leo Nunez, Brandon League, Eduardo Sanchez, Mark Melancon, Vincente Padilla, Drew Storen, Sergio Santos, Frank Francisco
Trending Down
Justin Verlander, Ubaldo Jimenez, Clay Buchholz, Hiroki Kuroda, Kyle Drabek, Yovani Gallardo
Closers
Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Rauch, Brandon Lyon, Jonathan Broxton, Mitchell Boggs, Brian Fuentes
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