It only took the Mariners southpaw nine pitches to retire the Padres in order yesterday, after spending all of the 2010 season on the DL.
Analysis: Arriving in Seattle in February of 2008 as part of the Adam Jones deal, Bedard was expected to provide a stabilizing force toward the front of the M’s rotation. Coming off a 2007 campaign in which he averaged 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings and finished fifth in Cy Young voting, hopes were high for the Canadian with the wicked curveball. While on the mound Erik did deliver as promised, putting up impressive numbers in both 2008 and 2009. However, the key phrase here is “while on the mound”, as Bedard was only able to make 15 starts in each season due to shoulder issues, the most serious being a torn labrum. Now Bedard is back, inking a non-guaranteed contract in December with the same team who traded a package of prospects for him over three years ago. Folks in Seattle are hoping that their investment finally pays off in 2011 and that the 31-year-old lefty can stay healthy for 28+ starts.
Projection: Most Fantasy owners are aware of Bedard coming into their drafts, but these same owners will be understandably gun shy when it comes to this type of risk. My stance on Bedard is a bit different as the potential upside, especially when it comes to strikeouts, is tremendous. Yesterday was only one inning in late February, but it’s more than we’ve been able to see from the former Orioles ace in what feels like an eternity. Nothing is guaranteed for Bedard right now, including a spot on the Mariners Opening Day roster. If I was forced to draft my team today, however, I would take a flyer on him in the later rounds. This is a veteran who has worked his way back from what is considered to be one of the most devastating injuries for a pitcher, and he will be pushed along carefully over the next four weeks. This is also a guy who could still have an exciting career ahead of him. My crystal ball may still have some snow covering it, but a closer look shows Bedard fitting in nicely behind King Felix and winning 12-14 games in 2011.
