Jordan Zimmermann is being drafted as a solid SP2 this year but the sabermetrics say otherwise.
Analysis: Jordan Zimmermann is the 20th starting pitcher being taken in drafts. The twenty-six year old has put together two solid seasons in a row but there are causes for concern. Zimmermann’s stand rate in 2012 was 79.3% which was the fifth best in baseball last year. His career average sits at 74.7%. Zimmermann did post a 2.94 ERA last year but if we take a look at his xFIP of 3.78 we clearly see there should be a regression this year.
Jordan Zimmermann will put up good numbers in 2013 but wasting such a high pick on him doesn’t make sense. He’s not a high strikeout guy and his ERA should not be below 3.50. He is primarily a two pitch pitcher and if he struggles to locate his fastball or slider he gets roughed up. There are plenty of better options later in the draft for you but if you have already drafted it may be time to sell before the fantasy world realizes that you have a SP3 on your hands.