MLB Fantasy Baseball: Is Dallas Braden a Perfect Choice for Your Pitching Staff?

Everybody knows two things about Dallas Braden. He threw a Perfect Game last year, and he is not intimidated by anyone. Bravado aside, the question remains whether or not he should be part of your fantasy team. A look at his career record of 25-35 would suggest not, but we know how wins can be a tricky measure to gauge a pitcher.

A look at his ERA and WHIP, which has decreased every year since his rookie season (2007), makes him a little more attractive. Especially given the solid 3.50 ERA, which was good for 33rd in the league, and the 1.16 WHIP, which was good for 16th, he posted last year.

He also has the home ballpark working for him. The Oakland Coliseum had the 11th best park factor for runs (0.956) and the third best for home runs (0.701). It wasn’t just the ballpark for Braden, though. He was nearly equally effective at home as he was on the road.

Home: 6-8, 3.56 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .243 BAA
Away: 5-6, 3.43 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .256 BAA

So he pitches in a pitcher’s park and does not get frazzled on the road. What’s not to like about him?

Well, he is anything but a strikeout pitcher, having just 113 Ks in 192-2/3 innings. His K/9 ratio the past two years have been 5.33 and 5.28 respectively. Plus, while wins are a tough category to predict, he has a weak lineup backing him. Runs will undoubtedly be hard to come by.

Fortunately, Braden won’t cost you a pretty penny. His ADP of 366 (100th starting pitcher), according to Mock Draft Central, means he will likely go undrafted in many leagues. That should be the case in smaller leagues, but in deeper ones he could be a nice option to help you in the ERA and WHIP categories.

What are your thoughts on Dallas Braden?

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MLB Fantasy Baseball: Is Dallas Braden a Perfect Choice for Your Pitching Staff?

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