by Daniel Gettinger

Yesterday I shared my projections for Chris Young, Kevin Correia, Jon Garland, and Clayton Richard.  Today I take a look at Mat Latos, Wade LeBlanc, Tim Stauffer, and Sean Gallagher…

Mat Latos

Latos is the real deal.  He is the Padres best pitcher.  His innings will be limited to ensure he is not unnecessarily overworked, but yeah, the guy is good.

Wade LeBlanc

IP	K	BB	HR	ERA	FIP	WAR
80	56	28	12	4.60	4.80	1.0

I don’t love LeBlanc.  He had a nice Spring, but I don’t see his stuff playing too well as a major league starter. He has a good changeup, but his “fastball” is an oxymoron, and he walks too many batters for my liking.

Tim Stauffer

IP	K	BB	HR	ERA	FIP	WAR
80	56	30	10	4.50	4.55	1.3

Because he is out of options, Stauffer may be traded.  Assuming he remains a Padre, I see him posting pretty average numbers.  There’s nothing too exciting about him.

Sean Gallagher

IP	K	BB	HR	ERA	FIP	WAR
80	65	39	8	4.30	4.34	1.4

Gallagher is a pitcher I really like.  He misses bats and gives up very few homeruns.  His biggest problem is control.  He walks too many batters.  If he can cut down on the walks, Gallagher can be a fantastic pitcher.  I have a feeling he will be my “Chad Gaudin” this year — the guy that I think is pretty good, but nobody else seems to like.  To relive my “Chad crush” take a look at this post from last season and follow the links to more of my Chad analysis.

Recap:

Latos is great and should receive close to 150 innings.  The other guys all have issues.  Gallagher is my favorite of the three, but most people prefer LeBlanc or Stauffer.  Assuming one is not traded, all of the pitchers stand to pitch a decent chunk of innings this season.  I have LeBlanc, Stauffer, and Gallagher all slated for 80 IP.  In reality the split will not be that even, but trying to be more precise would be nothing more than a guess.

Up next: The final installment-Relievers