2013 Astros Projections: Norris, Harrell, Lyles
Fantasy owners won't be looking at any of these pitchers early in 2013 drafts, but is there any hidden value here, or is staying away the best decision?
Bud Norris - SP - HOU
2013 Age: 28
2013 Projection: 189 IP, 8 W, 4.09 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 183 K, 72 BB
Notes: Huge potential due to consistently high strikeout rate, but needs better command and control to limit long-ball damage. has yet to stay healthy over a full season at the big league level.
Upside: 10 W, 3.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 200 K
Downside: 4.95 ERA, 1.45 WHIP
Lucas Harrell - SP - HOU
2013 Age: 27
2013 Projection: 190 IP, 8 W, 4.32 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 133 SO, 71 BB
Notes: Ground ball specialist, but projections are cloudy due to weak K/BB rates throughout his entire MiLB/MLB career.
Upside: See 2012 numbers
Downside: 5+ ERA
Jordan Lyles - SP - HOU
2013 Age: 22
2013 Projection: 161 IP, 4.74 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 119 SO, 45 BB
Notes: Still extremely young (22) and learning at the big-league level. Upside is in already excellent control and improved ground ball rate from '11 to '12, but 2013 is not likely his breakout season.
Upside: 10 W, 3.95 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Downside: See 2012 numbers
