2011 Fantasy Baseball: Value ERA Options

You didn’t get King Felix. That doesn’t mean your ERA is shot. Check out these value picks that will keep your ERA nice and low. Average draft positions (ADP) are from Mock Draft Central.

Jaime Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals

While I don’t think his 2.70 ERA is realistic, you have to take notice when somebody turns in such a low number. He imploded in September posting a 5.94 ERA, but still managed a 3.53 second half ERA. His ADP is 207 making him a solid value. You could just choose to use him at home, where he sported a 1.74 ERA.

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves

Hudson has a little better track record of posting low ERAs. He lowered his lifetime ERA to 3.42, thanks to a 2.83 ERA last year. As long as he can avoid injury, Hudson has shown the moxie to keep the ball down and to keep the crooked numbers off the scoreboard. His ADP of 148 puts him in the 13th round of 12-team fantasy drafts.

Brett Myers, Houston Astros

Myers comes in with a 163 ADP. His 3.14 ERA over 223 2/3 innings certainly helped fantasy owners last year. Can he repeat his strong showing in 2011? Even if he regresses some, he still has strong value. His lifetime ERA is 4.20 so even that number wouldn’t blow up your category.

Gio Gonzalez, Oakland A’s

Gio is a bit of a risk as his ERA was 6.24 entering last season. He figured some things out and posted a 3.23 ERA last year. With an ADP of 170, it’s a gamble worth taking.

C.J. Wilson, Texas Rangers

Wilson handled the switch from reliever to starter as well as could be expected. His ERA was 3.35, but more importantly he was a mirror image before the All-Star Break (3.35) and after it (3.36). His ADP is 184 meaning he’s a player to target in the middle rounds of your draft.

Hiroki Kuroda, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kuroda quietly posted a 3.39 ERA last year. His ERA has been south of 3.80 in each of his three years in the league. There is no reason to think the success won’t continue. The price will be more than right with an ADP of 177.

Jon Garland, Los Angeles Dodgers

He will likely start the season on the DL so you likely skip him in your draft. However, when he comes back, keep an eye on him. He pitched in the NL West last year with San Diego and had success. He sported a 2.72 ERA in six starts with the Dodgers in 2009 and posted a 3.47 ERA with the Padres last year. An ERA south of 4.00 seems likely.

Dallas Braden, Oakland A’s

Braden’s ADP of 385 means he’ll likely go undrafted. His ERA over the past three years is 3.75. There are worse options to fill your rotation out with.

Anibal Sanchez, Florida Marlins

Sanchez had an ERA of 3.55 last year. His career mark despite his struggle with injuries is 3.74. His ADP is 245 so it won’t take a huge risk on your part to give him a shot.

Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds

Cueto has improved each of his three years in the league. His ERA was down to 3.64. He should be a solid bargain with his 269 ADP.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball: Value ERA Options

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