4 years agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty dealt with a tumultuous season in 2020 which has not resulted in any sort of discount. In addition to the issues across MLB, the Cardinals also dealt with a lengthy drought of playing time during the season which had to affect Flaherty's endurance and pitching routine. When Flaherty was on the mound, he wasn't as good as the second half of 2019, but he was definitely better than the first half. He finished with a 4.91 ERA and 49 strikeouts across 40 innings, utilizing his standard three-pitch mix (four-seamer, slider, and curveball). There are signs of a return to success in 2021 highlighted by a 3.42 xFIP, 14.3% Swinging Strike, and 31.4% Hard Hit rates. Additionally, Flaherty maintained his velocity (94 mph) despite the hiccups of his start frequency and usage. Expect to see a regression to norm from his four-seam Chase rate (16%) as well as a correction in his three-year lows in LOB (68.8%) and BABIP (.281). If there was a slight concern it would be the potential of free agent Yadier Molina not returning to the team. Flaherty currently has an ADP of 26, down only three spots from 2020. Even with success similar to 2019, this draft slot might only be appropriate in leagues that have an increased valuation of starting pitchers.--Ellis Canady - RotoBaller