2014 Fantasy Baseball: 5 Reasons SP Masahiro Tanaka Is For Real

5 Reasons Masahiro Tanaka Is For Real

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a good deal attention on the New York Yankees SP Masahiro Tanaka's start to the 2014 fantasy baseball season. So far through this fantasy season, though, the fireballer has looked absolutely outstanding. So incase you have missed it, here are the top-five reasons that Tanaka is a bonafide fantasy baseball superstar.

5. His Split Finger Is As Good As Advertised

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

5. His Split Finger Is As Good As Advertised

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

There was a good deal of attention about Tanaka’s split finger fastball this off-season. However, all the reports about his signature pitch seem to be dead on. The bottom drops right out of the splitter and it is almost impossible for hitters to track. Tanak'a split-finger fastball is one of the deadliest pitches in all of baseball right now.

4. His Will To Win

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Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

4. His Will To Win

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Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Tanaka gets upset over simply walking a batter. He never wants to lose a game and the rookie will be a competitor every fifth day for the Yanks. He hasn’t lost a regular season game since August 19, 2012, and the youngster has quickly started his MLB career off 3-0, after finishing last year in Japan with a flawless 24-0 record. Tanaka seems destined to reach double-digit wins in his rookie fantasy campaign.

3. His Command

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

3. His Command

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Tanaka has shockingly walked just two batters through his first 29.1 innings of work. He has demonstrated elite command around the strike zone and will rarely allow the free pass. A pitcher that doesn’t issue walks will always be a fantasy favorite.

2. He Goes Deep Into Games

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

2. He Goes Deep Into Games

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Tanaka has lasted at least seven innings in each contest this season. He threw a staggering 1,315 innings throughout his Japanese baseball career and proved he could go the distance anytime he steps on the mound. Tanaka will be an innings monster for fantasy owners this year.

1. His Strikeout Numbers

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

1. His Strikeout Numbers

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Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The hurler has already racked up 35 K’s through his first four starts (29.1 IP). Tanaka is currently striking out 11.46 K/9 and the right-hander has become one of the most dangerous strikeout artists in the entire league. Look for Tanaka to become a perennial 180-K threat for fantasy owners.


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