MLB Fantasy Baseball 2012: Additional Starting Pitcher Options

We already looked at the LestersLegends’ top 25 starting pitchers for 2012, but there are plenty of solid options out there.

Arizona’s Daniel Hudson turned in an impressive 16-12, 3.49 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 169 K season. He’ll turn just 25 next week. There is definitely reason to believe he can build on his success.

Toronto’s Ricky Romero continues to improve. Last year he set career highs in wins (15), ERA (2.92), WHIP (1.14) and strikeouts (178). I’m not sure he can post another sub-3.00 ERA, but he’s definitely a solid third fantasy starting pitcher. Brandon Morrow (207 Ks) can rack up the strikeouts, but he is an ERA threat.

I don’t love Micael Pineda’s move to the Yankees, at least for his peripherals (3.74 ERA, 1.10 WHIP), but his win total (nine) should increase. Hiroki Kuroda (13-16, 3.07, 1.21, 161) is in the same boat.

Both Adam Wainwright (elbow) and Chris Carpenter (37 in April) are a little risky, but they come with some pretty serious rewards. Both should post sub-3.50 ERAs and around 1.10 WHIPs. Jaime Garcia (13-7, 3.56, 1.32, 156) regressed, but he still had a solid year.

Washington added Gio Gonzalez (16-12, 3.12, 1.32, 197 Ks), who forms a nice trio with Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann (8-11, 3.18, 1.15, 124).

Matt Garza (10-10, 3.32, 1.26, 197) was pretty solid most of the year, especially at that tail end when he finished with 2.24 ERA in August and September.

Johnny Cueto (9-5, 2.31, 1.09, 104) was brilliant in 24 starts. He has improved every year, but I expect he’ll be closer to his 2010 numbers (3.64, 1.28).

Brandon Beachy (7-3, 3.68, 1.21, 169), Tim Hudson (16-10, 3.22, 1.14, 158), and Jair Jurrjens(13-6, 2.96, 1.22, 90) formed a nice quartet with Tommy Hanson. Mike Minor will need to improve his 1.49 WHIP to join their ranks.

Yu Darvish comes in with a ton of anticipation and excitement. He was nearly unhittable in Japan. There is little reason to believe he won’t be sensational over here.

It is easy to overlook Jeremy Hellickson considering he’s in the same staff with David Price, James Shields, and Matt Moore. Try not to overlook the 13-10, 2.95, 1.15, 117 season he posted.

The wins weren’t there for Anibal Sanchez (8-9, 3.67, 1.28, 202), but he still managed a quality season.

Milwaukee’s Shaun Marcum (13-7, 3.54, 1.16, 158) is one of the game’s best number three starters.

Justin Verlander was out of his mind, but Max Scherzer (15-9, 4.43, 1.35, 174) also turned in a solid year for the Tigers. Doug Fister won’t be as good as he was after coming over to Detroit (8-1, 1.79, 0.84), but he should be a decent option.

The Angels’ Ervin Santana (11-12, 3.38, 1.22, 178) is one of the game’s best number four starters.

Cleveland’s Ubaldo Jimenez actually pitched worse when he was dealt by Colorado. He’s too good not to bounce back. Justin Masterson (12-10, 3.21, 1.28, 158) hit a wall in July, but should be solid.

Also check out:

2012 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings