Jaime Garcia - Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report

Fantasy Baseball scouting report on St. Louis Cardinals prospect Jaime Garcia. Includes player profile, fantasy baseball analysis and outlook, keeper league incentives, and stat projections. For additional fantasy baseball info, check out my blog at Hawk Fantasy Sports.

Jaime Garcia
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
Born: July 8, 1986
Draft: 2005 - 22nd round St. Louis Cardinals
Position: Starting Pitcher

Player Profile:
As an overlooked player in the 2005 draft, Garcia was selected in the 22nd round by the St. Louis Cardinals and quickly developed into the top overall pitching prospect in the Cardinals organization entering the 2008 season. Unfortunately the 2008 season was not all great for Garcia, as he injured his elbow and had to undergo Tommy John surgery. Still on the bright side for Garcia, he can hit the low 90s with his fastball while also offering his best pitch of a curveball. Combine that with an excellent ground ball ratio, and Garcia could easily regain his pre-Tommy John surgery pitching form. During his prime, Garcia could turn into a solid #2 or #3 starting pitcher in the majors.

Fantasy Baseball Outlook:
The lack of a power fastball could hurt Jaime Garcia's strikeout ability in the majors, however if Garcia can maintain his excellent curveball, then solid strikeout numbers should be well within reach during his major league career. One of the best assets Garcia offers is his solid groundball ratio, and even though this stat does not show up in fantasy baseball leagues, this pitching ability should allow Garcia to keep the ball in the park and provide a better opportunity to post low ERA numbers.

Keeper League Incentives:
In fantasy baseball keeper leagues, Jaime Garcia is definitely a health risk as a Tommy John starting pitcher. However like several starting pitchers before him, Tommy John surgery is a career saver that has allowed numerous pitchers to become elite pitchers in the majors. With this in mind, Garcia is a solid starting pitching prospect that will have an opportunity to make an immediate fantasy baseball impact during the 2010 season.

Stat Projections:
Pitching for a St. Louis Cardinals team that has plenty of offense to back up its pitchers during the 2010 season, Jaime Garcia has an excellent opportunity to tally 12 wins as a rookie. During his prime, Garcia has the potential to post single season stats of: 15 wins, 170 strikeouts, a mid 3.50 ERA, and a 1.20 WHIP.