Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Tim Lincecum was brilliant in 2008, finishing 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 265 strikeouts over 227 innings. Lincecum still walks too many batters (3.3 BB/9 IP), but that’s about the only area to complain about. His 10.51 K/9 IP mark led baseball by a wide margin, which was important since he had one of the league’s worst defenses playing behind him. Lincecum features a two-seam fastball that can reach 98 mph, which is unheard of. He also possesses one of the game’s best curveballs. What really pushed him over the top in 2008, however, was the development of his changeup, which has turned into a third plus pitch. Whether he wins the award or not, Lincecum’s 2008 season was Cy Young worthy, but high pitch counts and a big jump in innings pitched make him something of an injury risk moving forward. Still, there isn’t a pitcher in baseball with more upside. (Rotowire)

Despite a 4.62 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, Brian Wilson racked up 41 saves in 2008, the second most in the National League. Wilson showed an uncanny ability to pitch his best when it mattered most, but he’s going to really need to improve his control (4.1 BB/9 IP) if he wants to be San Francisco’s long-term closer. He has a terrific fastball with a decent slider, and his 9.7 K/9 IP mark was elite. He’s locked in as the Giants’ closer, but realize he’s unlikely to match last year’s saves total in 2009. (Rotowire)

Pablo Sandoval was a pleasant surprise in 2008, hitting .345 in 41 games after getting called up from the minors. Sandoval walked just four times over 145 at-bats, so that high batting average is definitely unsustainable moving forward. Still, he’s a solid prospect and has been penciled in as the team’s starting first basemen next season. Since he should qualify at catcher in most fantasy leagues, he’s an intriguing option later in drafts. (Rotowire)