Shutting Down Pitchers

Major League Baseball teams don't consider fantasy owners when they make club decisions, nor they should, and this is the time of year when some rookies/young players are going to be shut down for the remainder of the season if the team is not in contention.

Every year fantasy owners are absolutely terrified of this time because when it comes to contending for a fantasy championship where every little stat counts this is the time that matters. When a pitcher like Lincecum is shut down because the team doesn't want to overwork their pitchers, ask Dusty Baker about overworking young pitchers, and risk their bright future.

This year there are plenty of pitchers that might be shut down because they are reaching an innings limit or the team is just out of contention and they need some room for prospects to get some major league work.

Below are some guys that might be near the shut down line.

J. Danks
Z. Greinke
J. Jurrjens
C. Kershaw
R. Nolasco
M. Parra
J. Sanchez
J. Duchscherer (on the DL and most likely won't be back)

If you have any of those players make sure to consider the shut down option in your strategy/plan for the remainder of the 2008 season. In a previous post I mentioned an innings limit and if you are above the limit, like myself, maybe this is a good thing. Pick up some RP who can help you in ERA/WHIP plus give you a few vulture wins.

Just don't expect your young pitchers, who are over their innings pitched from last year, to be there in 2/3 weeks time.