Waiver Spotlight: Sean West

Per Dr. Phil's request, it is time to look at another Florida Marlin: one Sean West. So who is this Sean West that the good doctor is pining for? Let's take a little look-see:

West is a left-handed starter for the Florida Marlins. At only 22 years of age (dude turns 23 later this month), he has already made his MLB debut (which is puzzling, as he was in High A Jupiter for the entire 2008 season). He started out the 2009 campaign in AA Jacksonville, and was not exactly tearing up the league. When he was called up, he touted a 4.85 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. He did manage to rack up 50 strikeouts over his 42.2 innings of work but handed out 22 free passes.

The 6'8" southpaw employs a mid-90s fastball that he mixes in with not one, but two slider variations. He also possesses a decent changeup, which has improved over the past few seasons. He has used this arsenal to fight his way to a 1-1 record in four starts for the Marlins. In his last start, against the Giants mind you, he went eight innings and struck out six while only allowing two hits. So far he has amassed a total of 15 Ks on his way to a 0.95 WHIP and 2.22 ERA...and he has done so against good competition, the G-Men not withstanding.

My advice? He is worth a look in deep leagues, but based on his limited service time, there is no way of knowing if he can keep this up. The Marlins are high on him, as he is the 4th-best prospect in their system (Baseball America), and they think he is a future #1 starter. I cannot disagree, because he seems to have the stuff to get hitters out, but I am worried that he has arrived too early in the process. One of the knocks on West is that, because of his height, he can get lost in his mechanics and drag his arm through his motion which causes a loss of command. So proceed with caution knowing that he may have some rough outings ahead. Also keep in mind that he plays for the Marlins, so his run support could be pretty limited as well.

See other articles by Michael Bohn at thesportsidiot.com