The Cardinals named Jaime Garcia as their #5 starter yesterday, then he went out and had another quality start against the Twins in a spring training game: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.
I had never heard of Jaime Garcia before this spring and I'm guessing a lot of other fantasy baseball players are in the same boat. Garcia is 23 years old, 6'2", 200 lbs LHP drafted by the Cardinals in round #22 in 2005. He worked his way up through the system, but missed most of 2009 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He came back late in the year with the AAA Memphis Redbirds to post a 2-0, 3.86, 21 IP, 9 BB, 22 K's record. He then went on to star in the PCL playoffs. He's always posted strong K rates when healthy. BA's Prospect Handbook ranks him as the Cards' #2 prospect for this year. He throws a low-90's sinking fastball, but his best pitch is a hammer curveball. He's added a hybrid cutter/slider to his repertoire.
He's had a strong spring: 0-0, 1.93, 18.2 IP, 5 BB, 16 K's, GO/AO= 2.64. As a starter for a very good hitting team, the Cardinals, Garcia is definitely draftable in deeper leagues and should be watched closely in shallower ones. Don't be shocked if he puts up some very big numbers. Remaining healthy might be the biggest concern.
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