2013 Fantasy Baseball: Matt Harvey vs. Stephen Strasburg


Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

There was an epic pitching battle in New York City last night, and it had nothing to do with the team from the Bronx.

Instead the best pitcher in baseball was pitching across town at Citi Field, and it wasn’t the Washington NationalsStephen Strasburg. I know we’re not even a month into the season, but as of right now the New York MetsMatt Harvey is looking like the best pitcher in baseball.

Harvey is now 4-0 with 32 strikeouts in 29 innings, and is sporting a 0.93 ERA and 0.66 WHIP. Strasburg is now 1-3 with a 2.96 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 21 Strikeouts. Outstanding numbers except for the win total, but they pale in comparison to Harvey.

If you watch the MLB Network, all of their analysts are gushing over Harvey’s electric stuff and his ability to spot his pitches. He has Greg Maddux-like control, and the only thing that might prevent him from winning the Cy Young Award is an innings cap. Harvey has given up only ten hits but has walked nine.

Now am I saying if you are a Strasburg owner, that you should trade him for Harvey? No way. While I do expect Harvey to continue to pose excellent numbers, he’s not this good — no one is. It is a long season and I expect Strasburg’s numbers to be there at the end.

I think Strasburg will post more wins, strikeouts, and have a lower ERA and WHIP than Harvey for the season. Still, if you are in a league with a Harvey owner looking to sell high, try offering him a No. 2 starter and a bat and see if you can pry him away. If you have Strasburg on your team, adding Harvey as a No. 2 will give you a ton of strikeouts with a solid ERA and WHIP, and you can never chase wins.

For more fantasy baseball rants and rumblings follow Brian Fischler on Twitter.

2013 fantasy baseball big board.
2013 fantasy baseball: top first basemen.
These female athletes look pretty good in bikinis.

Sign Up
for the

We Recommend

Rant Fantasy Sports

Around the Web