Matt Josephs is a MLB expert let's see how his predictions go.na Hochevar (Kansas City Royals)
Much like Homer Bailey, Hochevar has been inconsistent throughout his career.na has shown flashes of brilliance.na will have to lead the charge.
Four pitchers to fade:
Cole Hamels (Philadelphia Phillies)
While we don’t like telling people to fade the Phillies at any time, this left hander’s inconsistency presents opportunities to jump on a juicy runline. Hamels is a Top-5 pitcher when he wants to be. The lefty went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA last year allowing batters to hit .273 against him. This spring hasn’t been much better as he’s gone 1-1 with a 5.57 ERA over five starts. Hamels has given up 11 runs in 10.1 innings of work his last two outings and pitchers are supposed to improve instead of regress the closer the season comes.
Cliff Lee (Seattle Mariners)
Of course the injury helps us here, but I feel like even when he gets healthy, the left hander will be fade material. Lee expressed dismay at his trade from Philly to Seattle and has already been suspended once during spring training. In two starts, Lee has given up 11 hits and five runs during 5.2 innings of work. Lee’s move back to the American League could be a struggle this season. I feel like the Mariners may not live up to expectations.
Vicente Padilla (Los Angeles Dodgers)
The Dodgers named this right hander as their opening day starter and I’m not quite sure why. Seven months ago, this head case was released by a pitching starved Ranger team and went to L.A. where he experienced some success. Padilla’s been tattooed a bit during the spring giving up 19 hits and 10 runs in 14.1 innings of work as hitters are ringing him up to a tune of .306 BAA. I just don’t feel safe backing him in games where he will be pitted against other aces.
Jeremy Guthrie (Baltimore Orioles)
Guthrie had one of the worst seasons of his short career last year going 10-17 with a 5.04 ERA. The right hander hasn’t been much better during the spring giving up 19 runs and 28 hits in 20.2 innings of work. Not only that, the righty has walked 13 batters as well.
