So the Mets are calling up Rafael Montero to start Wednesday's game against the Yankees, which of course has Fantasy owners racing to see what he was doing at Triple-A.
It's even better than it looks.
Not that there's anything wrong with a 3.67 ERA, 1.15 WHIP or 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings, but keep in mind he achieved those numbers despite pitching at Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League, one of the most hitter-friendly leagues in the minors. Zack Wheeler had a 3.93 ERA in the Pacific Coast League before his promotion last year. Shelby Miller had a 4.74 ERA before his promotion in 2012. James Paxton had a 4.45 ERA in his final stint there, and Tyler Thornburg had a 5.79 ERA.
In terms of pure upside, Montero is probably closer to Paxton and Thornburg than Wheeler and Miller, but one advantage he has over Wheeler and Miller is command. Again, he didn't show it in his latest stint because pitching in the PCL discourages pitchers from pitching to contact, but over four minor-league seasons, he has issued just 2.0 walks per nine innings.
Already 23, he could be an instant success at the big-league level, yet he won't generate near the buzz Noah Syndergaard will when he gets the call later this year. If you have a roster spot to play with, you might still have a shot at him in your league.