When it's used to describe pitchers, the term "crafty" is a pretty subjective one.
Does it apply to all soft-tossers who get results? Or maybe it should only apply to pitchers with impeccable control and consistently low walk totals?
Based on common usage patterns, you might assume that the term describes all pitchers who play or have played for the Oakland A's.
In fantasy circles, it might seem like little more than a code word for guys who are more valuable to their real teams than their fantasy owners. The way some other people use it, you'd think it applies to just about any veteran hurler who's left-handed and old.
But for the purposes of these rankings, "crafty" pitchers will be defined as those who are not the most physically-gifted and overpowering pitchers, but put up strong numbers based on effective off-speed pitches, knowledge of hitter tendencies, finesse, excellent control, the ability to limit home runs or some other intangible.
I don't doubt that some relief pitchers are crafty (Trevor Hoffman comes to mind), but the term is typically used to describe starters, so we'll limit our list to guys who pitch the first inning.
Some "crafty" pitchers may be able to throw in the low-to-mid nineties and some may get their fair share of strikeouts, but if they're successful, it's primarily because they've learned to master their "craft."
Even the most naturally talented guys need to learn how to pitch if they hope to join the league's elite, but there's no question that the margin for error is smaller among the less physically talented pitchers, who prove that the mental and strategic aspects of pitching are just as important as radar gun readings.
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