Remember all the craze for Homer Bailey last year? It's weird because you rarely hear the hype on him anymore, and he's only 22. The Reds obviously think they tried to bring him aboard too early in his professional career last season, because they are running out the likes of Matt Belisle and Josh Fogg instead of letting Bailey take his lumps in the show. It makes sense, I mean, he had only 64 career minor league starts before this season. So far this year he's been about the same command-wise as last year in the minors. In 66 2/3 innings he's struck out 54 and walked 29. The walks were the problem in the bigs last year, so the Reds would still like them to come down some more. His ERA (4.05) and WHIP (1.38) are far from impressive, either.
Verdict: I'd still stash him for help come mid-July on. He'll get things figured out soon and once the Reds realize they are out of race they'll start running out their future rotation. Rank him behind sure-things like Max Scherzer and ahead of injury risk gambles like Curt Schilling.
After the jump we'll check out a few others currently toiling in the minors.
Other Potential Minor League Stashees
Nick Adenhart - Angels -- He likely already had his coffee this year. 13 walks and four Ks in only 12 innings did the trick, along with the return of John Lackey to the rotation for the Halos. Ignore except in deep dynasty leagues.
David Price - Rays -- Recently threw down with Pedro in his first start, allowing only a walk and three hits in five shutout innings. Track his progress because he's going to be quite a hyped prospect, and rightfully so. The Rays' rotation has been spectacular, but you never know when injury will strike (Scott Kazmir is prone) or Edwin Jackson hits a rough patch. I'd immediately stash Price to beat the crowd in leagues where you have a large bench.
Adam Miller - Tribe -- An intriguing gamble, to say the least. The Indians do have an abundance of starting pitching at the big league level, but if they trade CC -- and they will if they fall out of the race and/or decide there's no way to keep him after the season -- Miller is one injury away from joining the staff. He currently rocks a 1.88 ERA in triple-A Buffalo. Rank him below Price and Homer but above Adenhart.
Justin Masterson - BoSox -- He's already gone 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA in two big league starts. The seven walks in only 12 1/3 innings could prove problematic, but he's one Dice-K bum wing away from a temporary rotation spot for a team that provides nice run support. Immediately add him in deep AL-only leagues now, because he could get the nod as early as Tuesday.
Chris Tillman - O's -- They've been down the uninspiring Hayden Penn path before. While Tillman's only 20, he's dazzling double-A right now with a 6-0 record, 2.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 44 K in 48 innings. When the Orioles fall out of the race this year it will be time to start looking towards the future. Tillman should play into those plans sooner than later. Deepest AL-only leagues with bench space take note, otherwise you should probably just mentally file away this name for next year.
Rich Hill/Sean Marshall/Kevin Hart - Cubbies -- It's pretty evident the Cubs are going to provide run support and a stellar bully to preserve wins for their starters. It's also evident that Jason Marquis sucks. Even if Sean Gallagher lasts in the rotation all season, Marquis won't last and that leaves a spot. There's also the possibility the Cubs trade for an established veteran pitcher, in which case at least one -- and maybe more -- of these three would be included. I'd rank their worth Marshall, Hart, Hill right now. A trade could change things, as Hill may need a change of scenery. The Cubs are Lou Pinella is tired of waiting on the 28 year-old to mature as a pitcher and is locked in a "win now" mentality. This would make Hill the best stashee if you are looking towards August and September. Any of the three in a call-up would be worth a look in really deep leagues, but nothing more until Hill figures out how to throw a strike.
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