Dark Horse Rising - Alfredo Aceves

When talking about the 5th starter for the New York Yankees, you generally are talking about Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes (with a dash of Chad Gaudin). But a new wrinkle has appeared. That wrinkle is Alfredo Aceves (please, no pasta jokes).

Aceves has been a good bullpen guy for the past two years. Before that though, he was a starter (not in MLB). Coming in to spring training Aceves was not resolved to go back to the bullpen, he is fighting for that 5th spot. Personally, I didn't give him a chance. I was sure it would be Joba or Hughes. However, Aceves has pitched head and shoulders above any of the other candidates.

It's still early, but you can't ignore what the 27 year old, right hander, has done (and what the others have NOT done). Alfredo Aceves has faced 30 batters so far and have retired 27 of them. He has given up 1 HR and 2 singles. That's it. The other candidates seem to giving up those hits and HRs every inning (been a rough spring training so far).

So what do we do with this info? Honestly, I think the cards are stacked against Aceves. The disparity between his stats and the others would need to remain as they are for the Yanks to really have him as the 5th starter. It can be done, but we'll see. If he ends up in the bullpen, then that probably won't help your fantasy team too much, or at all. If he ends up as a starter, well then we must take notice. Whereas you would need to take a Joba or a Hughes higher then you would like in a draft (which I do not recommend), Aceves should be available late. He is worth a late round pick/flier. If he makes starter, you have yourself a nice value for a low pick. If he ends up in the bullpen, you didn't give up much. I say take a chance on this dark horse.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)