Despite his seven one-hit innings at Cleveland Friday, the White Sox's Jose Quintana is owned in 25 percent of leagues. That needs to change.
Even last year, when he had a 2.76 ERA in his first 17 appearances, his good control allowed him to pitch into the seventh inning in nine of his 15 starts during that stretch. Only when he entered uncharted territory with the number of innings did he struggle.
And last year might just be the beginning. As Chris Cwik points out, Quintana's average fastball velocity is higher than it was last year, which is especially notable at this point in the season, when velocities are normally down. A lack of strikeouts was his only real issue last year, but he had seven in that start against Cleveland. And his minor-league numbers suggest he shouldn't be a terrible source of strikeouts.
Tommy Hanson, James McDonald, Bud Norris, Jhoulys Chacin and Jake Westbrook are just a few of the pitchers owned in at least 50 percent of leagues who I'd be willing to drop for Quintana.