The inevitable return of Bauer is here! Yes, Jack Bauer made his return a few weeks ago after several years off of TV. The show that gives you one day in the life of the super-agent has been long awaited by many. The thrilling series is off to its fast pace as always captivating its viewers with unreal action and travel times.
This is exciting to many, but I have been excitingly waiting on another Bauer to return. Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer is slated to start Tuesday against Detroit. Although not the best matchup, I have stashed Bauer away on my bench for just this moment. The super-pitcher has teased us the last few years with his amazing stuff. The results have been far from good at the MLB level. Prior to this season he has had 8 MLB starts with a 5.00 plus ERA. He was cast off by the Diamondbacks after just 4 MLB starts. Now with the Indians, he has finally shown some of his promise. He had a spot start earlier this season that was a gem. (6 Inn 4 H 1 ER 8 K 1 BB) He was then sent back to the minors where he kept his season rolling. He has had a 2.15 ERA 1.09 Whip with 44 Ks in 46 innings. This is including his last start where he gave up 6 ER in 5.2 innings.
Control has been his biggest enemy so far in his career. This is often the case when pitchers have the kind of movement he has on his throws. He has harnessed his stuff to below a 3 BB/9 average this season. This is the key to his success. At the MLB level hitters will be patient enough to take pitches. He has to be able to throw for strikes. If he can combine a 9 K/9 rate with that BB rate, he will be up for good this time.
He is the classic post hype guy. As the #3 overall pick in 2011 he was rushed to the show by the Diamondbacks in 2012. At only 23 years old there is plenty of reason to believe he will be the ace he was drafted as. The Indians seem to have convinced him to let go some of his non-conventional preparation methods. This seems to be working as his numbers have shown this year.
I play in keeper leagues and find that these types of player often have the best to pay off long term. The highly touted rookies cost too much in the auction. Because, everyone wants to say they acquired the next great player their value soars. Few want to say I got the guy who sucked last year. This keeps the price low to acquire them so their long term value is enhanced. The pedigree is there for Bauer, no matter what the results have been so far at the MLB level. Just the type of player I like to keep an eye on.
This is why I think he is a must add in all leagues. He is up 7.5% ownership in ESPN leagues this week. However, he still is only owned in 8.7% of leagues. Even if you are too scared to start him tomorrow, today is the day to pick him up. If he does what I think he can he will be gone from your free agent pool by Wednesday morning. I own him and will start him Tuesday.
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