Nationals top pitching prospect not named Strasburg was called up last Sunday and has now pitched in 4 games. The question fantasy managers everywhere are asking is, “How long until Storen is the Nationals closer?” and more importantly, “Is he worth picking up?” Here are some thoughts that will help answer these questions:
Arsenal. Like many great relievers, Storen doesn’t make things complicated for the catcher. He’s either throwing a fastball or a slider. His fastball sits in the mid-90s while his slider effectively works as a change of pace pitch as he throws it in the mid-80s. Both are plus major league pitches.
Closer’s Pedigree. Storen was a dominant closer while playing at Stanford and finished 28 of the 41 minor league games he appeared in over the past two years. During those 41 games, he was nearly unhittable. Storen’s career minor league stats include a 1.68 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 10.7 K’s per 9, and only 1.8 BB per 9 in 53 and two-thirds innings pitched.
Matt Capps. This guy is not as bad as 2009 would suggest (5.80 ERA and 1.66 WHIP), but he’s also not as good as 2010 suggests (2.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP). Capps has saved 16 games already, but he finally blew his first save today against the Orioles. His job is still very secure, but a couple more blown saves could change that. However, a veteran reliever with 82 career saves and 29 career holds could return a decent package as the trade deadline nears. Capps being traded is probably Storen’s best chance of earning the closing role in 2010.
Scouting Profile. Here is a breakdown of how Drew Storen profiles:
| Category | Grade | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Power | A | 10.7 K per 9 in Minors |
| Contact | A | 1.8 BB per 9 in Minors |
| Stamina | D | He's a relief pitcher, what do you expect? |
| Approach | A | Simple, yet effective approach that works very well |
| Arsenal | A | Two plus pitches is more than enough for a relief pitcher. |
| Hype | A | Has been deemed Nationals closer of the future...near future |
| Intangibles | A | Has been bred as a closer, knows how to finish games |
| Overall | 68 out 80 | A top tier relief pitching prospect |
Comparables. Joba Chamberlain, Heath Bell, Matt Capps
Fantasy Worthy in 2010? For leagues that count holds, absolutely. However, in most leagues, Storen is just a player you keep on your watch list in case the closer spot opens up for him. Storen has elite closer potential, key word… potential. He’s not worth rushing to the waiver wire to get him. After all, he’s just a relief pitcher.
2010 Prediction: 48 IP – 3 Wins – 6 Saves – 44 K – 17 BB – 4.11 ERA – 1.34 WHIP
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