MLB 365 Projection: Scott Kazmir

2007 – Devil Rays – 18-9 (33 starts) – 2.91 ERA, 218 IP, 239 K’s, 1.22 WHIP

Even though Scott Kazmir missed nearly the entire second half of the 2006 season with a shoulder injury, he proved to be one of the AL’s most effective starters. In 24 starts last season, Kazmir posted a 10-8 record with a 3.24 ERA and is 20-17 with a 3.51 ERA (56 starts) and a mere .76 home runs allowed per 9 innings ratio (HR/9) through out his first two full seasons in Tampa.

Kazmir incorporates a slider, changeup and a curveball to complement his mid-90’s fastball. Scott Kazmir has become one of baseball’s elite strikeout pitchers since his debut. In 2006, Scott’s 10.14 strikeouts per 9 innings ratio (K/9 IP) topped Johan Santana’s rate of 9.44.

As Scott Kazmir continues to develop, he may become one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball. His shoulder appears to be completely healed and should report to Spring Training on schedule.

Despite pitching for the lowly Devil Rays, look for Kazmir to contend for the Cy Young Award in the AL.