Friday, May 2, 2008

Mad Max the next big thing?

Everything screams superstar about Diamondbacks flamethrower Max Scherzer.


I guess this is what happens when you're the 11th overall pick in 2006 and you dominate at A, AA and AAA, all in one year, like Mad Max did in 2007.

Check out these 1-year cumulatives at Visalia, Mobile and Fort Worth: 2.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 131 Ks, 46 BB in 106 2/3 innings pitched. That's over 11 strikeouts per 9 innings for those of you keeping score at home (Steve Stone).

But the real eye-catcher is how Scherzer only gave up 3 HR in all of 2007, which is Jake Peavy-esque.

So, who didn't this righty who has experienced a Mark Prior-like meteoric rise since leaving the University of Missouri in 2006 make the Diamondbacks' opening day roster?

Who knows, but it's likely a money situation linked to his arbitration clock.

But after calling him up as a reliever last week, Scherzer was sensational, retiring all 13 batters he faced, striking out 7, including fantasy studs Michael Bourn (twice), Miguel Tejada, Lance Berkman and J.R. Towles.

Scherzer is scheduled to start Monday's game at home against the Phillies, a decent challenge. If he's still on the waiver wire, he's probably worth a spot on your roster in every format but very shallow mixed leagues.

If Mad Max goes off Monday, you better be close to a computer because he won't last long.

Breaking News: The Milwaukee Brewers pitching staff took a serious hit today as Yovani Gallardo has torn his ACL, trying to escape a collision at first base in Chicago. No decision has been made, but this likely means season-ending surgery so start fishing your wire for a replacement. Read more here.

Injury update: Rays CF B.J. Upton, who left Thursday's game in the fifth inning, has a strained shoulder, but it's not considered serious and Upton seems very upbeat, which should be music to owners' ears. "I feel good. It?s happened five of the six seasons I have played, and once in high school," Upton said. "It?s not a big deal. This is the best it?s ever felt afterward. Should only be a day or two."

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