Tag: Edinson Volquez

Volquez Strong Again

Edinson Volquez had another strong start Tuesday night in a loss against the Reds. Volquez pitched 7.0 innings and allowed 2 earned runs on just 5 hits and 1 walk.

Analysis: Volquez has 28.0 innings under his belt this year and thus far he’s sporting a 1.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and he has 16 strikeouts. Yes, his strikeout rate is down a bit from past years but his walk rate has improved a ton. Volquez has a 1.7 BB/9 rate this year compared to a 4.0 BB/9 rate last year and a 4.7 BB/9 rate for his career. Simply put- he’s throwing more strikes and avoiding deep counts.

We haven’t seen enough of Volquez to determine exactly where he fits in from a fantasy perspective, but he is a must own right now. Obviously, his ERA and WHIP will level out but it may settle into a middle to low tier fantasy starter range. He does need more help from the Pittsburgh bats but Cutch and Pedro are not playing up to potential thus far this season.

Currently, Edinson Volquez is available in 50-80% of fantasy leagues.

Last Call On Edinson Volquez

Edinson Volquez shut down the Phillies Saturday lasting 6.0 innings and only giving up one earned run.

Analysis: Edinson Volquez has only given up more than three earned runs in just one of his eight starts this year. His 2.79 ERA ranks twenty-third in the National League and his forty-three strikeouts is eleventh best in the National League as well. Yes, he is pitching at Petco Park but who cares… his fantasy owners love that fact. Volquez is available in well over sixty percent of fantasy leagues and he will be gone soon. He isn’t known for his consistency but he’s only had one bad outing in eight starts.

Volquez is walking slightly fewer batters this year but the biggest difference with his game has been the re-emergence of his changeup. Only a handful of big league pitchers have a better change than Volquez and it’s great to see him use it with dominance once again. Volquez isn’t just a “pick him up while he is hot” starter, he’s a legit lower tier starter pitching at Petco. It’s last call on Edinson Volquez.

Buying Low- AJ Burnett

AJ Burnett has a 6.08 ERA this year and allowed twelve earned runs against the Cardinals last week. So… why am I buying AJ Burnett?

Analysis: AJ Burnett has only made four starts this year and we all know about the twelve earned run game. But, what you may not know is that in Burnett’s other threes games he’s only allowed four runs in 21.0 innings for a 1.71 ERA in those starts. AJ Burnett has pitched three remarkable games this year in four starts, period.

Burnett’s K/9 rate is 10.27, a career high thus far but it is only four games into the season. Remember, he’s back pitching in the Natioanl League and he doesn’t have to face the Rays, BoSox or that Toronto lineup on a daily basis anymore. His fastball, curve and change are all at the same velocity as in year’s past, so no need to worry about his stuff. The 6.08 ERA might scare some away but he has been pitching well. Burnett is owned in less than ten percent of fantasy leagues and now is the time to buy the veteran at the lowest his value can possibly be. If you are buying stock right now you have to be looking at AJ or at the very least Edinson Volquez.