Wandy Rodriguez is for Real

I avoided the obvious rhyme using randy as I'll leave the humorous word play to Grey at RazzBall.com. I was asked last week about my thoughts on Wandy and was this season for real and what should be done with the currently top 5 ranked pitcher. The good news for everyone who took a shot on him is that he is going to be a top pitcher this year. He may not finish in the top 5, but the numbers look ready to keep him in the top 15 pitchers.

His numbers have been solid for 2 straight years, but 2007 he was given the label of home pitcher as his ERA was 3 runs better at home. He has kept this split up, but the variance has been much less than that statistical oddity. Last year the difference was about a run between home and away. The good news is even though he is again showing better results at home the away ERA is still at a good level making him a star so far this year.

His K/BB has been over 2.50 for 2+ years now making him a solid option and this year it has passed the 3 level. It stands at 3.11 giving him a FIP of 2.56. That FIP will rise as his HR/FB of 1.5% rises to the 10-11% level, but still maintaining a FIP in the mid 3's and an ERA at that level as well. I don't think you can move him for an elite price so I would hold him, but if you can get a top 10-20 talent for him I might move him.

One note is he has never reached 200 innings before. He has always been down with small injuries and stopped him from reaching this mark. Last year he was limited to 137.1 IP and a jump to 200 would be a big change. Trading him if healthy when you trade deadline approaches might be a good idea if he holds his health through the summer.