Fantasy Baseball: Oakland Athletics Pitchers

Scott Kazmir – A phenomenal first half sent Kaz to the 2014 all-star game, but a horrific finish tainted what was a quality first season in Oakland. An obvious regression candidate, Kazmir is ranked by ESPN as the 57th best starter. His K/9 dipped by nearly two, but he lowered his BB/9 and WHIP from his 2013 campaign in Cleveland.

August 19, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Two Key Stats: 1. His 2014 FIP was 3.35 and his ERA was 3.55, a near-match. If he can lower his home ERA from 3.60 I can see his FIP matching his ERA exactly somewhere between 3.30 and 3.40. 2. He pitched 158 innings in his return to baseball in 2013 and 190 last year. His workload can increase to more than 200 innings, which should help him pitch more than 20 quality starts and perhaps win as many games as 2014.

Kazmir is owned in 99 percent of standard leagues and his ADP is 213.4. Make him a target in the 15th round or later.

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