Diamond in the Rough
 8/12/2008

David Huff, 23 (LHP), Buffalo Bisons (Cleveland Indians, AAA)

I don't know about you guys, but the MLB non-waiver trade deadline is becoming a typical New Year's Eve party. One of those parties you look forward to for weeks and then you get there and it blows. It would have been a much more entertaining trade deadline if I could have just kept it in my mind. Well, now that the excitement has died, let's take a look at someone who might get a chance to help you down the stretch.

David Huff is a 2006 supplemental first-round pick of the Cleveland Indians. After trading away C.C. Sabathia, this UCLA southpaw is just what the doctor ordered for the Indians. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he is going to put up fantasy numbers like Sabathia. What I am saying though, is that Huff is as polished as any pitcher in the minors; except for David Price, of course. 

Huff throws his fastball in the 88-91 MPH range; not that impressive. What is impressive, is the amount of control he shows, with only 23 BB in 125 IP. He hits his spots and has faith in it. He also has a plus change-up, but his curveball and slider could use some work. I can understand why some have compared him to Tom Glavine. He moves his pitches around the zone well and has a similar delivery. He just looks like an athlete.

Huff started out in double-A. After only 65.2 IP this year he was promoted to triple-A. With the Indians raising the white flag on the season, there is no real reason they won't want to see what Huff can do against big league hitters. The Indians could keep him on a strict innings count this season and if that happens he will not be able to help us this year.

Huff should be a four category (W, K, WHIP, ERA) fantasy starter when he gets his shot. He should at worst make the rotation out of spring training in 2009, so remember him as a sleeper for next year. Many young pitchers struggle in making the jump to the bigs. Most fantasy players have a tendency to lose track of them or forget about them. Don't be one of them.

2007 A+ (22)
4 W 2 L 2.72 ERA 11 G 11 GS 59.2 IP 57 H 23 R 18 ER 4 HR 15 BB 46 SO 0.90 GO/AO .251 BAA

2008 AA and AAA (23)
9 W 5 L 2.45 ERA 23 G 22 GS 125 IP 92 H 41 R 34 ER 10 HR 23 BB 121 SO 1.28 GO/AO .203 BAA