Wade Davis – Fantasy Baseball Minor League Sleepers, Part 5 of 5

Although Wade Davis is ranked #12 on Minor League Baseball’s Top 50 list, I still like Gio Gonzalez and Johnny Cueto to have more of a fantasy baseball impact in 2008. He did however average better than 9 Ks per 9 with 81 in 80 innings at AA last year and a low 3 ERA. His walk rate was OK with 51 in 158 at two levels. I’d like to see that a little lower, high walk rates can lead to big problems at the major league level.

On one hand the Rays system is jammed with prospects – David Price, Jacob McGee and now Garza, but outside of Kazmir and Shields there’s little blocking these guys from a major league job. In fact, Garza is already penciled into the number 3 spot. He seems like he has enough stuff to get a job out of spring training but may need some more seasoning in the minors. It might not be a bad idea for the Rays to use one of these guys out of the pen to protect their arms, not to mention the fact that they need help there too. If you let your imagination run wild long enough you might start to see one of these guys turn into the next Papelbon.

I don’t think Davis will light the world on fire but I like the chance for him to get an opportunity sooner than later. On an improving offense he could get some wins if he can stay in games. I think a mid 4 ERA, mid to high 1.3 WHIP and 7 Ks per nine is doable. Overall I think this makes Wade Davis a nice, dirt cheap, back of rotation and spot starter option in larger fantasy baseball formats and someone to monitor as a possible keeper in smaller 10 to 12 team leagues.

Find Wade Davis rookie cards and more on eBay!

Johnny Cueto – Fantasy Baseball Minor League Sleepers, Part 1 of 5
Wladimir Balentien – Fantasy Baseball Minor League Sleepers, Part 2 of 5
Gio Gonzalez – Fantasy Baseball Minor League Sleepers, Part 3 of 5
Eric Patterson – Fantasy Baseball Minor League Sleepers, Part 4 of 5