It will be interesting to see if he can emerge as a fantasy pitcher worth starting in the next year or so, but chances are he won’t see fantasy daylight anytime soon. 

Another bad sign of Zimmermann is his inability to go deep into a game. Just twice in his 23 career starts has he pitched seven innings. If you find yourself at the end of the week needing a few strikeouts from someone, and Zimmermann happens to be pitching, then maybe I could see getting value out of him. But it seems like he’s a deep NL-only play for the upcoming season.

This will be John Lannan’s fifth year of Nationals baseball. Of the Nationals starters, Lannan may be the only guy worth looking into for all types of leagues. He’s had a healthy career with ERA’s below 4.00 in 2008 and 2009, and positive signs from last year’s second half. In Lannan’s post-All Star break, he went 6-3 in 11 starts, 68.1 innings, 47 K, 3.42 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP. I’m not saying he’s a solid starter who should be owned in every league, but he might be worth a last round pick or free agent acquisition. I will say, though, If Lannan has a crummy start to the season, it is probably better to take a chance with someone else than stick with him.

Jason Marquis has had mild success in his career. Before 2010, he won 11 or more games in his last six seasons, and has a tolerable career 4.56 ERA in 11 seasons. Last year, Marquis’ stats blew up due to an awful April. While dealing with injuries throughout May, June and July, Marquis started to change around his year with a 4.15 August ERA and a 4.44 September ERA. Marquis may be able to win double-digit games next season, but I expect 170 IP, 11 wins, 4.90 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 100 K.