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Everybody knows two things about Dallas Braden. He threw a Perfect Game last year and he is not intimidated by anyone. Bravado aside, the question remains whether or not he should be part of your fantasy team. A look at his career record of 25-35 would suggest not, but we know how wins can be a tricky measure how to gauge a pitcher. |
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A look at his ERA and WHIP, which has decreased every year since his rookie season (2007), makes him a little more attractive. Especially given the solid 3.50 ERA, which was good for 33rd in the league, and the 1.16 WHIP, which was good for 16th, he posted last year.
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He also has the home ballpark working for him. The Oakland Coliseum had the 11th best park factor for runs (0.956) and the third best for home runs (0.701). It wasn’t just the ballpark for Braden though. He was nearly equally effective at home as he was on the road.
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Home:  6-8, 3.56 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .243 BAA
Away:  5-6, 3.43 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .256 BAA
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So he pitches in a pitcher’s park and does not get frazzled on the road. What’s not to like about him?
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Well, he is anything but a strikeout pitcher, having just 113 Ks in 192-2/3 innings. His K/9 ratio the past two years have been 5.33 and 5.28 respectively. Plus, while wins are a tough category to predict, he has a weak lineup backing him. Runs will undoubtedly be hard to come by.
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Fortunately, Braden won’t cost you a pretty penny. His ADP of 366 (100th starting pitcher), according to Mock Draft Central, means he will likely go undrafted in many leagues. That should be the case in smaller leagues, but in deeper ones he could be a nice option to help you in the ERA and WHIP categories.
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What are your thoughts on Dallas Braden?
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Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Baseball Profiles
• 2011 Fantasy First Basemen Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Second Basemen Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Third Basemen Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Shortstop Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Catcher Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Outfielder Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Starting Pitcher Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Closer Rankings

I continue the All-time team tour with the storied A’s.
 
Face of the Franchise:

Connie Mack
 
Manager: Connie Mack

C – Mickey Cochrane
1B – Jimmie Foxx
2B – Eddie Collins
SS – Bert Campaneris
3B – Jimmy Dykes
OF – Al Simmons
OF – Rickey Henderson
OF – Bob Johnson
DH – Mark McGwire
Bench:  2B/OF Danny Murphy, 3B Frank “Home Run” Baker, OF Reggie Jackson, OF Bing Miller

SP – Lefty Grove
SP – Eddie Plank
SP – Chief Bender
SP – Rube Waddell
SP – Vida Blue
P – Catfish Hunter
P – Dave Stewart
P – Barry Zito
P – Eddie Rommel
P – Jack Coombs
P – Tim Hudson
RP – Rollie Fingers
RP – Dennis Eckersley

That’s the team I came up with. Do you have any changes you’d like to suggest? I’m always open to them.

Past Teams
Yankees
Red Sox
Rays
Orioles
Blue Jays
Twins
White Sox
Indians
Tigers
Royals
Angels
Rangers
Mariners