For some players, being out of the bright, shiny New York spotlight is all it takes to make things click. For some, going to a smaller market is all it takes to finally live up to their true potential.
For years, the Yankees believed Phil Hughes had all the tools to become a stud pitcher in the majors (and for your fantasy team). Unfortunately, last season was a disaster as he went 4-14 with a 5.19 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP, finishing a mediocre seven-season run in The Bronx with a 56-50 record, 4.53 ERA, 656 strikeouts and 1.32 WHIP.
There’s nothing special about those numbers, hence why the Yankees allowed the righty to sign a three-year, $24 million deal with Minnesota.
After Hughes’ first three starts this season, it was easy to see why Roto Files recommended taking a wait-and-see approach with the former Yankee. He had allowed 12 runs on 20 hits over just 15 innings, en route to a 7.20 ERA. Opposing hitters were hitting .317 against him and had an OPS of .916. It was starting to look like nothing had changed, like another, “But he had all the tools…” stories.
The 27-year-old righty, however, has found a groove. In his past nine starts, he is 6-1 (he’s 6-2 on the season) with a 2.55 ERA, 46 strikeouts and had walked just three batters. His opposition had a .244 batting average and .573 OPS. The Twins also won eight of the nine games he started in that span.
After 11 starts last year, Hughes was 2-4 with a 5.37 ERA and 55 strikeouts (one more strikeout than he had before Friday’s start). Opposing hitters were batting a healthy .292 against him, with a .852 OPS.
Owners who took a chance on Hughes with a late-round flier are seeing a huge pay off as the ex-Bomber ranked in the Top 20 in WHIP (1.13) and Top 25 in ERA (3.12) in the majors heading into Friday night. Amazingly, he was still available in 18 percent of ESPN leagues before he gave up five runs in six innings in a 5-4 loss to Houston Friday. But before then, Hughes hadn’t lost since April 15. The old Hughes may surface here and there, but he’s finally showing what the Bombers thought they had when they drafted him with the 23rd pick of the 2004 draft.
Hughes isn’t the only player finding success outside of New York. Here’s a look at former Mets and Yankees who have found fantasy value outside of the Big Apple:
Marlon Byrd, OF, Phillies: OK, maybe last season wasn’t a fluke. In fact, his numbers (.263, eight homers, 32 RBIs, .780 OPS) are almost exactly where they were at this point last season with the Mets (.255, eight homers, 28 RBIs, .799 OPS). He’s still available in 15 percent of ESPN leagues.
Ian Kennedy, SP, Padres: The ex-Yankee is 5-6 on the season, but is 3-0 in his last three starts with a 2.00 ERA and 22 strikeouts. He has held opposing batters to a .177 average and .589 OPS over that span. He’s available in 23 percent of ESPN leagues.
Casey McGehee, 1B/3B, Marlins: While he was unimpressive as a Yankee in 2012 and out of the league last year, the 31-year-old is one of Roto Files’ favorite pickups this season.
If you’re looking for corner infield depth, his .297 average, 37 RBIs and .736 OPS will help, and he’s still available in 34 percent of leagues.
Aaron Harang, SP, Braves: The 36-year-old, who made four starts for the Mets last season, hasn’t won since May 11, but is still pitching well enough to garner attention. He’s 4-4 with a 3.24 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 73 strikeouts, and is still available in 36 percent of ESPN leagues.
Chris Young, SP, Mariners: The 35-year-old former Met is still plugging along, fielding a 5-3 record with a 3.42 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Owned in just 9 percent of ESPN leagues, he’s a good streaming option against the right opponent.
Scott Kazmir, SP, A’s: The one-time highly touted Mets prospect (dare we remind Mets fans of the Victor Zambrano deal?) is owned in 100 percent of ESPN leagues, but Roto Files always enjoys pointing out players we said would be among the best sleepers.
LaTroy Hawkins, RP, Rockies: The 41-year-old former Met and Yankee has 11 saves, is still the Rockies’ closer and still has value (despite the bloated 3.43 ERA). He remains available in 12 percent of ESPN leagues.
Fantasy Team Name of the Week: Choo’s on first.