3 years agoThe 25-year-old Tanner Houck appeared in 18 games (13 starts) for Boston and posted numbers that should make fantasy managers salivate: 3.52 ERA, 30.5 K%, and a 7.4 BB%. His underlying metrics were even better as Houck posted a 3.20 xFIP and 3.22 xERA over his 69 IP. Lest you think that his strikeouts were inflated by his bullpen work, Houck was exclusively used as a starter in Triple-A last season and posted a 28.9 K% with a 7.8 BB%. Houck had three different secondary pitches with a 16 SwStr% or better last season, so the strikeouts should keep coming in droves. If batters manage to make contact, it generally isn't good contact thanks to Houck's low-spin fastball. Its 2,109 RPM is already on the low side, and only 62.4% of that is "active spin" that meaningfully affects the ball's movement. That ranks 647th among the 655 pitchers who threw at least 50 pitches last year. As such, Houck should be able to repeat his 7.4% HR/FB while improving his .317 BABIP allowed and 66.3% strand rate, taking already strong numbers to another level. Despite all of that statistical goodness, Houck has an ADP of 197.89 because his role isn't certain. The Red Sox brought in a bunch of uninspiring options such as James Paxton, Michael Wacha, and Rich Hill to compete for two open rotation spots, so Houck should have no trouble winning one. Take Houck and enjoy having one of the best sleepers of the year on your roster.--Rick Lucks - RotoBaller