January 28, 2013

BP Announcements

2013 Starting Pitcher Guide

by Paul Sporer

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The sixth annual version of the Starting Pitching Guide is a comprehensive look at the starting pitching pool in all of baseball, ranging from the aces who will lead your fantasy team to the promised land in 2013 all the way down to the High-A prospects whom you hope will keep your dynasty fantasy team solvent through 2016 (just as your super-cap-friendly Mike Trout contract expires).

The 2013 iteration is now available for pre-order.

The guide initially started as an incredibly lengthy forum post at the defunct Rotojunkie.com (now RJBullpen), and the first five are still housed and available for viewing at PaulSporer.com. In fact, if you want to cut to the chase and see how the last two guides “performed,” you can check out the 2011 and 2012 report cards. However, you’re likely more concerned with what you can expect in 2013.

• BP’s very own Doug Thorburn is bringing his brilliant mind to the guide this year with insightful mechanics breakdowns for 100-plus pitchers. This addition is akin to the Brewers adding CC Sabathia for the stretch in 2008.

• Bullpen coverage is being added. For the first time ever, I’ll be delving into the land of hard throwers and small samples. Fantasy leaguers constantly agonize over closers and who might be next, so the 2013 SP Guide helps you get a handle on what will almost certainly be another volatile season of ninth innings.

• Projections are returning for 2013! Last year was my first attempt at putting together a projection set, and it went well, so I’m going to do it again this year. ERA ranges will be used, spanning four to seven earned runs. It gives a better idea of what to expect out of a pitcher, plus it covers a bit of luck on both ends. When you see 3.29-3.60, it seems like a significant difference, but only seven runs set the figures apart (or one run every five or so starts).

That’s in addition to over 500 pitcher profiles. Last year’s book was over 76,000 words, so you won’t be wanting for knowledge when you enter the war room in March. Don’t worry, it is neatly broken down by team and split by league, so if you are an AL-only or NL-only fantasy manager, you can focus your efforts on your preferred half.

While the Starting Pitching Guide is a great fantasy baseball tool, it also carries value for the non-fantasy fan who simply wants to learn more about the game. Maybe you are so intently focused on your Cleveland Indians and their Junior Circuit competition that you’re wondering exactly who this National League import is who compelled the team to trade away star outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. Well, the SP Guide will give a detailed look at what your favorite team got in young hurler Trevor Bauer. Or if you're a Cardinals fan wondering how the team will replace free agent Kyle Lohse and (eventually) 37-year-old Chris Carpenter, the SP Guide will explore how “real” Lance Lynn’s breakout season was and also educate you on an incredible wave of young talent highlighted by playoff stud Trevor Rosenthal and blue-chip prospect Shelby Miller.

Not convinced? Just ask this beagle in a Stephen Strasburg jersey what he thinks!

Pre-orders are now being accepted here for $9, a savings of 33 percent off of the price upon released. They will run through February 14th, and the guide will be released two weeks later, selling for $12.

Order now and save

Questions and comments can be directed to thespguide@gmail.com

Paul Sporer is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @sporer
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