This written part of the article is right below, but if you want to see what I predict in terms of Matt Cain’s production this year, check out the video.
Matthew Cain — actually I’d rather call him super prospect sleeper Matt Cain — is the real deal, and I am going to start off by saying, “if your fantasy baseball league is National League only, and has keepers, Matt Cain better not be in the draft pool.” This kid is one of the elite “arms” in the National League. There is a lot to like about Matt Cain: his high-speed fastball, the way he has dominated the minors, and especially the way the San Francisco Giants have handled his arm with caution.
Cain is at an advantage playing in San Francisco. For one, he gets to be the #4 starter, which prevents any strain or pressure on that arm of his. Two, the Giants aren’t exactly a playoff caliber team; this will allow Matt Cain to pitch carefree for a few of his outings. The Giants have to look at this year, in regards to Matt Cain, as a process. This kid has all the talent, and the last thing the San Francisco Giants want to do is Mark Prior him.
Matt Cain came up late last year and managed to pitch well in the 7 starts he had. In 46 innings he had a 2.33 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP, which is very impressive for the first go around. The only thing that concerns me is his low walk-to-strikeout ratio. The low WHIP is more attributed to luck, since he Cain gave up such a low amount of hits. Hits can be random at times, so Cain better work on his control.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Haven't heard of this guy. They best have some kind of super prospect, because they sure don't have much of a super outlook this year.
The departure of Scott Eyre really hurt them more than most people think.
2 - Tan The Man
Giants said Jesse Foppert, Jerome Williams and Kurt Ainsworth were super prospects too. All got hurt.
3 - Matthew T. Sussman
Whatever happened to Brad Hennessey? I remember his first start and I remember being quite impressed with him.
4 - AJ is hating on the Giants
" the Giants aren't exactly a playoff caliber team"
Screw you. Any team can win the crappy NL West, especially the Giants.
5 - Adam Hoff
Giants will win the NL West, because the division sucks and they have the most underrated pitching staff in the league. Schmidt appears to be all the way back from his health problems, Cain is indeed the real deal, Matt Morris is solid, and Noah Lowry is a rising star. In fact, I think Lowry and Cain will really help each other. Both are young studs and by emerging at the same time, they will balance the pressure and whatever scrutiny and hype comes there way. I think you are right though, Art, Cain has star written all over him.
6 - Adam Hoff
Sorry, AJ, I called you Art for some reason in the previous comment. Wow.
7 - david lown
i think your on. Hopefully hell do better but thats because i have him. Forget all these guys who are naysayers cain is gonna be at least solid.
8 - Ryan
The Giants aren't exactly a playoff caliber team? Comments like this make us disregard any semblance of respect we might have had for your opinions on baseball. I hope you don't back away from your assertion come late September...
9 - AJ Vaynerchuk
I apologize if my statement offended anyone. I don't see how my thoughts about the Giants not being all that talented are so unfounded.
Barry Bonds is one of the biggest question marks in baseball.
Jason Schmidt has shoulder problems.
Matt Morris is on the downside.
Alou and Vizquel are nearing retirement.
I see tons of question marks for this team. If everything falls right they can be a playoff team though.
10 - Adam Hoff
They play in the NL West and they don't absolutely suck, so by default, they are a playoff contender. If they were in the American League, nobody would have batted an eye at your comment, I don't think. Of course, if they were in the AL, Bonds could DH and maybe they would actually be better. Around and around we go.