In the sky blue waters off the coast of Western Florida lies a sinister creature American League hitters and bronzed Hamlins will come to fear; pre-CGI enthusiasts, who relish cheesy stop-animation graphics, will come to love.
Its name: Jeff Niemann(notes).
Overshadowed by hype machines David Price(notes) and Wade Davis(notes), the intimidating, presumably tentacled, 6-foot-9 Rays starter is a deep-round leviathan on the precipice of a breakthrough campaign.
Last season while the virtual masses slurped rookie hurlers Tommy Hanson(notes), Rick Porcello(notes) and J.A. Happ(notes), Niemann quietly compiled appreciable numbers. According to Baseball Monster, his admirable line (180.2 IP, 13 Wins, 3.94 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 6.23 K/9) ranked ahead of notable names Cole Hamels(notes), Roy Oswalt(notes) and teammate James Shields(notes).
However, despite his initial success, relative inexperience and young age, most self-proclaimed fantasy Zeuses widely believe Niemann’s ’09 efforts were mythical. Call it a lack of "wow" factor. His strikeout totals couldn’t sniff Hanson’s, but his remaining peripherals – 1.03 GB/FB, 2.12 K/BB, 0.85 HR/9 – paint a different picture. With a few minor adjustments, a monster production leap is certainly possible. Remember, he was Tampa’s No. 1 pick (fourth overall) in 2004. Unquestionably, he has the pedigree.
Niemann has already made one such tweak this spring. Last season, he relied primarily on fastballs, occasionally peppering in his plus slider, curve, splitter and change, to draw weak contact. In Grapefruit League action, he’s experimented with a deeper hook, featuring it earlier in counts. The pitch has left established hitters stupefied, Buddy Holly look-a-likes optimistic. From the Tampa Tribune:
"I was talking to (Tigers LF Johnny) Damon in the box, and he’s like, ‘Geez, this guy’s not giving us any chance,’ " Rays C John Jaso(notes) said…
"That’s something I’ve always liked about him, [the curve] is a pitch he can throw for strikes," Maddon said. "So when he gets behind in the count, a lot of times pitchers can’t go to that pitch because they can’t throw it for a strike. But he can, and that’s what makes him really interesting."
Because of his bargain basement sticker price (ADP: 218.92, SP55) and sensational spring production, Niemann should indeed pique owner curiosity. In 19.1 IP, he’s posted a 3.26 ERA and, get this, an 18:2 K:BB split. If he carries momentum over into the regular season, an upper-tiered No. 3 season in shallow mixed leagues is on the horizon. Don’t be afraid of his AL East address.
With a terrific minor league track-record, anchored rotation spot and plentiful run support, he could emerge a late-round legend.
It’s time to "Release the Kraken!!!"
Fearless Forecast: 199 IP, 15 W, 3.91 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 174 K
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Image courtesy of US Presswire