In our first installment of our weekly buy low/sell high article I will focus on two pitchers with very different reputations. On the one side, Dan Haren is notoriously known for his second-half fades and on the other side, we have John Lackey who is normally better in the second half. Pay attention because I am recommending you go against the grain in regards to both these players.
Dan Haren (SP) Arizona Diamondbacks
Why I’m buying: I wrote about Dan Haren‘s alarming second-half splits before the season, but this year he hasn’t been his usual dominant self before the All-Star break. In all fairness, Haren has pitched very well this year (4.58 K/BB, 3.39 xFIP), but has been a victim of bad luck (13.9% HR/FB, .350 BABIP). Now, he’s being mentioned in trade rumors with multiple teams, but the one team that really stands out to me is St. Louis. If Haren somehow lands on his former team, his season could be resurrected as Dave Duncan has turned pitchers with much less talent into quality fantasy options. With his current performance and second half reputation Haren is worth taking a chance on especially with the fact that he could be on the move. Even if he lands in the American League, maybe a change of scenery is all Haren needs to shake his second half curse.
John Lackey (SP) Boston Red Sox
Why I’m selling: John Lackey is in the midst of a little hot streak and coming off a game where he came four outs away from no-hitting the Seattle Mariners. Before we get too carried away, however, let’s remember that the Mariners are not the New York Yankees. Hell, they aren’t even the Baltimore Orioles as their .236 team batting average ranks worst in Major League Baseball. Despite the recent hot streak, Lackey is posting career-worst numbers in strikeouts (5.41 K/9) and walks (3.45 BB/9). Look at this more as a window to sell to someone who still views Lackey as a potential top 25 starter, rather than the pitcher he actually is.
No comments yet.