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Diamond in the Rough
7/1/2008 
RP Anthony Slama, 24 (RHP), Fort Myers Miracle (Minnesota Twins) It’s the first day of July and this is the second Minor League relief pitcher (Chris Perez was the first) we have reviewed this year. Anthony Slama was selected in the 39th round of the 2006 draft by the Minnesota Twins. Unless you are a rabid Twins fan you’ve never heard about this guy so listen up! First off, minor League relief pitchers aren’t typically going to be of interest to the fantasy fan because, frankly, they don’t have much value. It’s not so much lack of talent, although even the majors are littered with mediocre arms that should be replaced, but lack of opportunity that supresses their value. The fact is most scoring systems are not geared towards rewarding middle relief pitcher. While they can bring you a nice ERA, WHIP, and a few Ks, their impact is minimal due to low innings pitched, and the best you can often hope for is that they are in the mix with a shaky bullpen and on the ledge closer. Take a peek at Paul Bourdett’s weekly column “Pecking Order” for a cast of suspects. With a name like Slama it seems he should be destined for a closers role. Take a look at his stats, and you’ll see why this kid has the stuff to be a RotoExperts Diamond in the Rough. Slama is knocking the socks off opposing batters to the tune of 74.1 IP, 22 BB and 122 Ks. THAT’S RIGHT 122 Ks. For you Sabermatricians that’s a 14.77 K/9 and a 5.55 K/BB ratio. While it’s still only Advanced A ball, anyone with those lofty numbers should get your full attention. They’ve certainly opened my eyes, and I’m not that easily impressed. Slama’s repertoire includes a slider, changeup and his out pitch, an 88-92 MPH fastball. It seems strange to me that it’s his out pitch, but some guys just have the mindset that they’ll bring their best pitch when needed and dare hitters to beat them on it. You have to love a guy with that kind of tenacity. Slama could have that bull-like attitude necessary for a closer, and the fact that he has yet to give up a HR in 74.1 IP is impressive. Slama is a 24 year old in Advanced-A ball, often a sign that he’s not progressed quickly enough to be a big league pitcher. We are willing to over look that since he was drafted in 2006 and and his first minor league year was last year (2007). So it’s not like he has been wasting away in the minors putting up bad numbers. In 42.2 IP for the Fort Myers Miracle this year he has a ridiculous .160 BAA. That number doesn’t seem like a fluke considering opposing batters hit .156 against him in his rookie year. And, while the Twins did lock Joe Nathan up this past offseason former incumbent closer Pat Neshak’s injury could open the door for Slama at some point in the future. Nathan is a stud closer but he isn’t getting any younger and won’t stay healthy forever. For all you guys in the deep roster dynasty leagues make sure you keep tabs on him by checking back at RotoExperts.com from time to time because we will certainly be keeping tabs on this up and coming fireballer. Let us do the digging for diamonds so you don’t have to get your hands dirty. 2007 Rookie and A (23)
1 W 1 L 1.71 ERA 27 G 0 GS 14 SV 31.2 IP 17 H 6 R 6 ER 0 HR 10 BB 49 Ks 1.65 GO/AO .156 BAA 2008 A+ (24)
3 W 0 L 0.42 ERA 29 G 0 GS 16 SV 42.2 IP 24 H 4 R 2 ER 0 HR 12 BB 73 SO 1.79 GO/AO .160 BAA
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