Alex Cobb - Alex Cobb drew a tough matchup against the Rangers on Monday, but allowed just 2 ER on six hits over eight innings to go along with 10 strikeouts. Cobb owned a 3.08 ERA and 3.22 xFIP in 120 innings prior to Monday's start. He's got solid peripherals with an 8.10 K/9, 0.98 HR/9 and 55% GB%. He is enjoying an 81% strand rate and .283 BABIP - both of which are likely not sustainable in 2014. That said, Cobb is emerging as a very solid middle of the rotation fantasy SP in 12-team mixed leagues for 2014.
James Shields - James Shields battled the Indians on Monday, giving up 1 ER with 10 strikeouts and two walks over six innings. Prior to Monday, Shields had recorded a 3.38 ERA and 3.80 xFIP in 207 innings in 2013. I mentioned last week in a blurb about Shields that his xFIP is the highest since 2009 while his 8.6% HR/FB% is a career-low. The right hander's K% has fallen by 4% compared to last season and his BB% is up just slightly. Shields remains a horse, eating 200 innings for the seventh straight season and I expect him to do the same in 2014. However, I also expect Shields' ERA to be in the upper-3.00s, rather than the lower 3.00s based on his peripherals this year.
Rick Porcello - The Tigers' Rick Porcello threw six innings against the Mariners and gave up 1 ER on five hits with 10 strikeouts. The right hander entered Monday's outing with a 4.56 ERA in 162 innings this season, but had a much better xFIP of 3.38. He's tallied a strong 55% GB%, while improving his K% by 4% compared to 2012. Porcello is still just 25-years old and made strides forward this season, even if his ERA didn't reflect improvement. He should be an under-the-radar SP in 12-team mixed leagues and AL-only formats next season and there's reason to believe he can be a very solid fantasy asset.
Michael Bourn - The Indians' leadoff hitter went 1-of-5 with three strikeouts on Monday against the Royals. Bourn's been a disappointment for his fantasy owners and the Indians in 2013, owning just a .260/.313/.342 slash line and collecting 22 steals in 33 attempts. Bourn seems to have lost a step and is not hitting the ball as solidly as he used to. In 2011, Bourn owned a 26% LD% in 2011, 21% in 2012 and just 19% this season. Additionally, after stealing between 42 and 61 bases every season between 2009 and 2012, Bourn may not even eclipse 25 steals this season. I'd downgrade Bourn to a bench bat in deeper leagues in 2014. You can get his steals off the waiver wire at pretty much any point and he's more name that actual value at this point.
Yordano Ventura - Danny Duffy was scratched from Tuesday's start against the Indians and in his place will be one of the top prospects in the Royals organization, Yordano Ventura. Ventura can hit 100 mph on the radar gun and has a solid curveball and change-up. In 77 innings at AAA this season, the right hander owned a 9.47 K/9, 3.86 BB/9 and 0.47 HR/9 to go along with a 3.74 ERA. The biggest question with Ventura is can he limit the walks? His stuff is exceptional and he could have value in deeper leagues next season if he makes the Royals rotation.
