With an adp in the 18th round, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Wade Davis is being draft alongside the likes of Joe Blanton and Rick Porcello. While both of those pitchers are decent fillers on your pitching staff, IMO Wade Davis represents a breakout candidate.
The Data:
*workhorse build: 6'5" 220lbs
*only 24 years old entering this season
*throws a mid 90's heater and a "plus" curve
*and maybe most importantly, he's already thrown 211 inning in AAA all before the age of 24 with a K9 of 8.29, an ERA of 3.23, and a whip of 1.23.
*in 6 games (36 innings) at the big league level, Wade has a K9 of 8.9, an ERA of 3.72, and a whip of 1.26. this included games against the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and the Orioles twice (RH killers).
The Verdict:
Wade was always a highly touted prospect. The Rays gave him time to come into his own in AAA, and he has now delivered the good in the majors, albiet in a small sample size of 36 innings.
When looking to win your league, you always need players that will perform well past their adp. Although they will be useful, Blanton and Porcello have no shot at taking their game to the next level this year, Wade Davis does.
Enjoy!

[ January 27, 2010, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: Gekko ]