Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesse Chavez is the last person one would expect to associate with anything remotely close to Fantasy Baseball relevance. In fact Chavez had to be thought of as a long shot at best to even make the starting rotation of a MLB club in 2014.
I mean, let’s be honest; the 30-year-old right-handed hurler’s appearance closer resembles that of a bat-boy than starting pitcher. On a good day Chavez clears 160 pounds – soaking wet.
Despite his unorthodox physical characteristics, Chavez is getting the job done in Oakland. In two games to date, Chavez has a tremendous 1.38 ERA and 13 Ks under his belt. One could even argue that Chavez could easily have two wins had the A’s lent run support in game one (Chavez left the game trailing 2-1 in his first game) and had the bullpen held up in game two (left game in seventh with a 4-2 lead).
Of course one shouldn’t be too surprised as the story of the Athletics is well documented in the New York Times Bestselling book and later major motion picture “Money Ball”. Oakland makes their living rostering the unexpected and overlooked athlete based on unconventional baseball stats. Chavez certainly fits that bill.
The stats are certainly impressive, but it’s his confidence and attitude on the mound that makes him a SP you want on your fantasy rosters. Nothing seems to faze Chavez which is a necessary quality to have in a dependable pitcher. And currently Chavez is owned in less than 10 percent of fantasy leagues.
We all remember the story of the legendary horse Sea Biscuit that proved to the sports world that one’s size is sometimes secondary to the fight one has within them. Chavez certainly qualifies; he shows he has the fight. He’s the kind of guy you want in your corner, or – on your fantasy rosters.
Jim Heath is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
Related:
Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes: April 10
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies
