Fantasy Baseball Profile: Brandon Webb

Brandon Webb missed all but four innings of the 2009 season with a shoulder injury. He was a bona fide fantasy ace before succumbing to that injury.

Fantasy owners near and far want to know what to make of him in 2010.

He has started doing some light throwing (click here for the azcentral.com article ) and is on pace to be ready for the season opener. Arizona will hold him back a bit in spring training to ensure he doesn’t aggravate that prized right shoulder.

If he passes all the tests with flying colors, he’ll begin moving up draft charts, although even the most optimistic fantasy baseball owners likely won’t rate him as anything more than a mid-level No. 2 fantasy pitcher.

One concern I have is his history of getting off to a fast start. In March and April Webb is a combined 18-2 with a 2.66 ERA. He’s not terrible going forward with a 3.38 ERA, but his record falls to 69-60.

One would think that Webb would be on a pitch count early in the season, which could jeopardize what has historically been his best month. There is a silver lining though. If he gradually eases into the 2010 season, perhaps he’ll be peaking in September, helping you bring home a fantasy title.

I just caution you not to target him too early. There are probably 25 to 30 safer SP options (click to see my 2010 top 25 starting pitchers ). If he has his stuff though, he could easily be a top 15 starting pitcher.

Prediction: 14-8, 3.50 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 155 Ks

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .