Dave Cokin
5% NL GOM
CUBS +100 (Fried-Alzolay)
First start for Adbert Alzolay, who I have pegged as the best pitching prospect in the Cubs organization. My tendency to back first time starters is in play here, once again with the unfamiliarity on the part of the hitters a big key. But unlike some lesser talents who I've backed successfully, Alzolay is a kid with a chance to stick right away in the Cubs rotation. His fastball is now mid-90's and he's touching 98. Good curve that generates swings and misses. If the changeup continues to improve, we're looking at a potential #1-2 starter. Alzolay has been terrific at AAA, and got his big league feet wet with a very impressive four inning relief stint against the Mets. Max Fried pitches for the Braves, so this is no cinch. Fried, although he's been a little shaky lately, has been mostly good for Atlanta and they have a good team record when he throws. The Cubs are not as potent offensively against lefties, so this isn't perfect. But I like the idea of backing Alzolay and the price is definitely right. Cubs are the choice.