5 Players You Need to Win Your Fantasy Baseball League, Part II: Scott Baker

Scott Baker is one of the most underrated pitchers in all of fantasy baseball, and he is a real sleeper to add on to your staff if you get the opportunity to do so.  Baker had a pretty bad start to this season, but has really picked it up in his last two starts.

Baker is a great control artist.  While he is not as talented in the control area as his teammate Kevin Slowey, Baker’s numbers are still exceptional.  In 2007 and 2008 respectively, Baker walked 1.8 and 2.2 batters per nine innings—a testament to his excellent control.

Baker has also developed strong dominance of batters.  He took a step up in 2008, striking out 7.4 batters per nine innings.  To date (excluding tonight’s start), Baker has struck out 7 batters per nine innings, which is a level he should continue to improve on if the trends continue like they have.

Baker pitches for the offensively-challenged Minnesota Twins, so Wins is really the only category that he won’t provide top-level production for.

Baker is really entering his prime at age 27, and has the ability to be a strong staff ace for the Minnesota Twins, even with Kevin Slowey and Francisco Liriano there.

While Baker is not a guy likely found on your free agent or waiver wire, he is likely a guy that you can still get ahold of via trade.  See if you can get your hands on Baker, and enjoy the near-ace production that he will provide your fantasy baseball pitching staff.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions on Baker or any other fantasy baseball player.  Also, if you enjoyed this post, check out the first player you need to win your fantasy league: Mike Jacobs.