Andrew Heaney (SP-MIA). Heaney's rough introduction to the majors continued on Saturday afternoon in St. Louis, as he was drilled by the Cardinals for 5 ER on 8 hits and 3 walks, while registering only 1 K over 3.2 innings. Heaney's season ERA now sits at 6.53. Heaney has simply not pitched well, despite all the prospect hype. He has not suffered from particularly bad luck, as his BABIP is .297 (right around league average) and his strand rate, while low at 68.0%, does not indicate that major positive regression is likely to occur. Heaney's biggest problem has been the home run ball, with a HR/FB of 20.8% (almost double the normal league rate). However, even with a normalized HR rate, his xFIP is still 4.50, which is mediocre at best. All indications are that Heaney need more minor league seasoning, and it appears that the Marlins agree, as they sent him down to AAA New Orleans after the game. NL only leaguers who have the bench space should probably hang on, as this is probably just a blip on the radar for Heaney, who may still provide some positive value later in the season, but mixed leaguers can do better on the waiver wire.
Dan Straily (SP-CHN). Straily was acquired by the Cubs as part of the blockbuster deal with the A's sending Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland. While initial indications are that Straily is going to be sent to AAA initially, in all probability he will be part of the Cubs' rotation before too long. Although Straily showed promise as a member of the A's rotation last year, he has struggled in 2014. He posted a 4.93 ERA in 7 starts in the A's rotation to start the season, despite a favorable .240 BABIP, which got him sent to the minors, where he continued to struggle, with an ERA of 4.71 (although some allowance should be made for the fact that he was pitching in the Pacific Coast League). Straily's big problem is that he is a fly ball pitcher who gives up HRs at a fantastic rate (16.4% in the majors this year). He does have some solid skills (9.57 K/9 at AAA this year, 7.43 K/9 career in the majors), but until he gets the homers under control, his fantasy value will be limited, especially given the switch to Wrigley Field as his home park. Because he does have some strikeout potential, he is worth a speculative add for those who need pitching help in NL only leagues, but, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding when he will be added to the Cubs' rotation (although I firmly believe he will be added sooner rather than later in light of the uninspiring (Villanueva, Rusin, et al) alternatives), I would not recommend burning a high waiver claim or significant FAAB dollars to add him.
Joey Votto (1B-CIN). Votto continued to be a huge disappointment for his owners, going 0 for 4 in a shutout loss to the Brewers on Saturday afternoon. Votto's season slash line now sits at .255/.390/.409. It appears that Votto's knee issues are continuing to impact his power, as his ISO for the year now sits at .155, which is almost 70 points below his career rate. Votto's BA is being dragged down by a .299 BABIP, which is 50 points below his career number, so some BA regression should be expected. However, with only 6 HR and 23 RBI, Votto has become almost valueless in standard roto leagues. His .390 OBP means he retains some value in OBP leagues, but most of those who invested a high draft choice in Votto have been extremely disappointed. As shocking as it may sound, Votto is verging on being droppable in standard mixed leagues, as it doesn't appear as if the power is coming back this year, as evidenced by his career low 10.9% HR/FB rate.
Odrisamer Despaigne (SP-SD). The Cuban import had another good outing on Saturday evening, tossing 6 innings of one run ball against the suddenly-feeble Giants. Despaigne gave up only 2 hits, but one was a solo homer to the light-hitting Gregor Blanco. Despaigne also walked 4 and managed only 2 Ks. Despaigne's ERA for the season now sits at a stellar 0.92, but there is no way his initial success is going to last. Regression is going to hit and hit hard. Despaigne has benefited from a .189 BABIP and 96.6% strand rate, neither of which is even remotely sustainable, especially in light of his shockingly low 6.0% K rate. Despaigne's true talent level is closer to his 4.48 FIP. If you own Despaigne, enjoy the production you have received so far, but be prepared for some less happy days ahead. Despaigne's next outing will come against the Dodgers, which will provide a must tougher test. NL only owners may want to have Despaigne sit that one out.
David Buchanan (SP-PHI). Buchanan took a hard luck loss to the Pirates on Saturday afternoon, as he pitched a solid six innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits and one walk while striking out 3. Buchanan's ERA on the season now sits at 4.82, which is probably about where it should be, given his 4.89 FIP. Buchanan has little fantasy value, except as a spot starter against weaker offenses in NL only leagues.
