MLB Fantasy Baseball: Is Brandon Beachy the Real Deal?

While it still remains early in the year, Brandon Beachy’s 42.1 innings over seven starts can tell a story about him.

He’s been a bit snake bitten, given his 1-1 record despite a 2.98 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. Perhaps it is because Atlanta is going a good job of keeping his work load down.

He has averaged 96 pitches per start, with a max of 111. He has only pitched seven innings on one occasion.

Beachy combined for 135 innings at Double-A Mississippi, Triple-A Gwinnett and his cup of coffee (15 innings) with the Braves. Obviously, Beachy is a candidate to get shut down early, but that is something to worry about later in the year.

Beachy had a 9.46 K/9 ratio at the Triple-A level last year, and it has translated well in the bigs. Last year Beachy had a 9.00 mark, and this year it has elevated to 9.57. While he has yet to crack double-digits in a start, he has fanned seven or more five times.

Beachy’s control has dramatically improve from his first taste of the majors as he has lowered his BB/9 from 4.20 to 2.34. That is an alarming drop, but the 2.34 mark is right in line with what he’s done since debuting professional in 2008. He simply doesn’t walk a lot of batters.

The lack of control he exhibited last year could have been nerves. It does help explain the bloated WHIP (1.53).

While I don’t anticipate Beachy maintaining a sub-1.00 WHIP, it is right around where he’s been since reaching the Double-A level, not including last year’s stint with the Braves. I expect it to increase, but not dramatically.

Another thing working for Beachy is the fact that he doesn’t have a ridiculously low BABIP to falsify his peripherals. His .245 mark is lower than it has been at any level, but it doesn’t set the alarms off. Part of it is allowing more home runs.

Prior to this season, Beachy had allowed eight home runs in 223 innings. He has allowed half as many home runs in 42.1 innings. A higher HR/9 ratio can explain some of the BABIP decrease.
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His batting average against likely won’t remain at .194, but he was at .218 at Triple-A last year.
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With his past success and current dominance, I believe Brandon Beachy is the real deal.

Will he get shut down early? Probably, but you have a few months to utilize his services before that time.

Also check out:

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