Sleeper: Edinson Volquez

If you, like me, were disappointed in the demotion of guys like Homer Bailey and still need a pitcher with some upside, you might want to keep an eye on Cincinnati’s Edinson Volquez.

Volquez is considered a pretty high-ceiling guy, picked up from the Rangers as part of the Josh Hamilton deal this offseason. Most people thought he was a year or two away, but he’s put out an incredible Spring so far. He’s got the full support of Dusty Baker, who is a “calls ‘em as he sees ‘em” kind of guy; Volquez could very well start out the year in the Reds’ rotation.

Volquez has a pretty snazzy fastball-curveball-changeup repertoire, and will net you a lot of Ks for sure. What’s not sure is his control and consistency. PECOTA has him only at 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA in 70 IP for 2008, but he is going to be 24 this year and does have a 35% breakout rating; if it happens at all for him, it’ll probably be this year or next. I wonder if a guy like him wouldn’t be better suited to closing. I’d probably use him over Francisco Cordero if he showed any aptitude for it.