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| Courtesy CBS Sports |
The potential redemption of journey-man Ryan Vogelsong is sure to warm many a heart, but one shouldn't fall too in love with the 33-year-old just yet. Vogelsong, returning from an essentially insurmountable absence of nearly five years, has helped Giants fans forget about their $128 million flop, Barry Zito. He is owned in 57 percent of leagues on Yahoo! and 90 percent of ESPN leagues, numbers which are sure to rise once fantasy skeptics know for sure that his hot start is the real deal, and that the aforementioned human home run ball machine Zito will not clog up the fifth spot in the rotation.
Though neither are certain yet, the international journeyman has been through his fair share since his his final season with the Pirates. A starting pitcher turned middle reliever turned post-Tommy John disappointment Vogelsong has overcome a great deal since being drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 1998 draft.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged Vogelsong's hard work to USA Today:
"He kept grinding to get back to the major leagues. That's one of the best stories I've seen since I've been in the game," Bochy said. "He's taking full advantage. He's pitching as well as anybody in the league, really."
Those who question Vogelsong's quick start based on lack of sampling size, should examine his starts in greater depth. Vogelsong held the Cardinals to six hits and one run over five solid innings that his offense, the lowest scoring in MLB, could not support. Likewise, Vogelsong got a tough-luck loss in Florida, only allowing one run over eight innings of work. Vogelsong was luckier in his two turns against Colorado this season, allowing one run and five hits over 14.1 innings, striking out 11 batters in the process.
With an ERA of 1.68, a WHIP of 1.04, and 7.0 K/9, Vogelsong is an easy target for comeback player of the year. Though his splits between home and away are distinct ( ERA 3.27 on the road, 0.57 at home), Vogelsong does have a very attractive schedule the next three weeks. The Giants play at Oakland, Chicago (NL), Arizona, and Detroit. Though none are easy to pitch at, the Tigers match up is the only series that Vogelsong owners really need to be worried about. But what makes Vogelsong especially attractive is his home schedule. The Giants play the Twins, Indians, Padres, and Mets. Two of which are near the bottom of baseball in runs scored, and the other two have faced recent offensive struggles. All in all, the match ups favor Vogelsong.
Peerless Prediction: 13W 140k 3.20 ERA 1.15 WHIP
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