If for some reason he’s still available in your league, stop reading this article and add him immediately.

I included Volquez in the “Bargains” article posted earlier today (and yes, I included him before his last start), but due to the fact that I included waayyy too many players, Patrick took the liberty of editing out some of the players I discussed. A forgotten top prospect, he always had the strikeouts, with the clear weakness being that of control. However, a sparkling 26/4 K/BB ratio in spring training suggests he may finally be turning the corner.

I hate using spring training stats to influence my projections, and usually ignore them altogether. But, when a young pitcher with control problems displays dramatically improved control, I pay attention. I’d love to see a study on whether it’s just another false spring indicator or truly a precursor to a breakout, because I really don’t know. As a flyball/neutral pitcher, he is susceptible to the longball, but if the newfound control is real, he could post skills similar to Justin Verlander (who ironically enough I included in the “Busts” article) and see his ERA sneak under 4.

With Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Phillips, and Encarnacion leading the offense for years to come, and a rotation that could include Harang, Cueto, Volquez and Bailey, this is a team that could be quite exciting very soon. Of course that all hinges on whether Dusty is fired quickly enough, because we certainly wouldn’t want to see Votto “clogging the bases” while taking too many walks and getting on base at a clip just too high for Baker.

Full Disclosure: I own Volquez in all 4 of my leagues, picking him up before the season after dropping John Patterson, who I drafted once again expecting THIS to be the year he’s finally healthy!

Questions, comments, criticisms, praise, expert league invitations? Email me at FBGeneralsMike@gmail.com.