Spring Training Dynasty Notes: March 15
Chris Clegg breaks down all the action from Wednesday with a dynasty twist.
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Jesus Luzardo, LHP, MIA
It could be a breakout season for Jesus Luzardo, who is having a great World Baseball Classic and showed some solid things in Spring Training. Luzardo fired four scoreless innings on Wednesday in the WBC game against Israel, allowing just one walk and striking out five.
What is most important to note here is that Luzardo is still seeing increased velocity on all his pitches. His four-seam averaged 96.7 mph, up from 96.3 last year. His sinker and changeup saw a velocity increase of 1.2 and 1.8 mph, respectively. Luzardo’s slider was what was most impressive. It averaged 86 mph, up from 83.7 last year and generated a 42 percent CSW.
For the final line, Luzardo had a 31 percent whiff rate and a 30 percent CSW. There are traits of a high-end starting pitcher in Luzardo’s profile and there is a strong chance he could breakout this year.
Anthony Volpe, SS/2B, NYY
Anthony Volpe has been having a tremendous spring and its brought up a lot of questions on whether he will make the Opening Day roster. Just to put it bluntly, I don’t think so. Here is why.
I think it would be weird if the Yankees start Anthony Volpe at SS over Oswald Peraza at shortstop off the bat. Peraza debuted last year and his service time clock as has started. Gleyber Torres is going to play second for the time being. If Volpe started over Peraza and struggled, and they went to Peraza, then potentially back to Volpe later in the year, it would just be strange. The most likely scenario is Peraza gets a chance to run with the job and if excels, Volpe likely becomes the second baseman at some point in May or June. Torres could be on the block if the Yankees need starting pitching depth.
There’s a lot that needs to play out here, but right now I would say chances are much higher than Oswald Peraza is the Yankees everyday shortstop to start the season.
Luis Severino, RHP, NYY
Luis Severino is another pitcher I have gotten a lot of questions about this spring. He had another disappointing outing, allowing four earned runs across two and a third innings. He walked three batters and struck out four.
There is no really indicator of why Serverino has had a poor spring. Over four starts and 11 innings, he has a 10.64 ERA and 14 strikeouts. His velocity is fine, but his spin rates are down a bit. His slider does not look elite like it and had less movement.
I am not worried about Severino. When he pitches, he’s been really good. He has a career 3.39 ERA across 638 innings. He will be fine and a pitcher i’m buying low in dynasty on if you can.
Justin Verlander, RHP, NYM
Justin Verlander looked extremely dominant on Wednesday, striking out eight across five nearly perfect innings. Verlander did not walk a batter and only allowed one hit.
The age scares people away a bit, but in a dynasty league you should be targeting pitchers like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, and other aging pitchers if you are a win now team. They are cheap acquisitions and worth every penny if they help you win a trophy.
Dane Dunning, RHP, TEX
Dane Dunning may be nothing to write home about, but he has had several good Spring Training outs that warrant our attention. His first start in February ballooned his stats a bit as he allowed five earned runs in 1.1 innings.
SInce then he has allowed just one earned run in 12 innings pitched. Over those three starts in March, he has allowed just two walks and struck out 13.
Dunning does not have a spot in the Rangers rotation at the moment, but he could earn a long relief role and eventually move into the rotation if injuries occur. The Rangers starting five does not have the best track record of health. Monitor Dunning who could be worth an add in deeper dynasty leagues.
Box Score Heros
Randy Arozarena 2/2 1 BB/2 2B/5 RBI
Rowdy Tellez 2/3 1 HR/3 RBI/2 BB
Edouard Julien 2/4 1 HR (2 BBE over 94.1 MPH including a 109 mph double)
Mike Trout 3/4 3B/3 RBI
Corey Kluber 5 IP/4 H/1 ER/1 BB/6 K
Spencer Strider 3.2 IP/6 H/2 ER/1 BB/8 K
Aaron Nola 3.2 IP/2 H/1 ER/2 BB/7 K
Kevin Gausman 3.1 IP/2 H/0 ER/2 BB/7 K
Connnor Joe 3/3 2 2B
Other News and Notes
Cade Cavalli is set to undergo Tommy John Surgery. His long history of injuries continues. It is unfortunate as Cavalli is an extremely talented arm.
Edwin Diaz suffered a leg injury during the celebration after the WBC and had to be helped off the field. We are still awaiting test results. David Robertson likely steps into the closer role for the Mets.
Your reasons for Volpe not breaking camp are very similar to why I’m very skeptical that Walker breaks camp in St Lou