Matt Cain - Fantasy News & Updates
Matt Cain - Fantasy News & Updates
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Though Cain ascended to All-Star status this past season and formed one of the most lethal 1-2 pitching duos alongside Tim Lincecum, little changed from years past. As Cain's control improved, his strikeouts fell. The biggest difference came down to luck, as he finally received support from San Francisco's bats and gloves. There's still room left for growth from the 25-year-old right-hander, who is set to embark on his peak years.
Cain ended the year with four losses in five starts, but the last two outings provide a look at his overall effectiveness in '09. He gave up just two earned runs on nine hits with a 13/3 K/BB ratio in 13 innings during those two appearances. His 14 wins, 2.89 ERA, 1.18 ERA and 171 Ks in 217 2/3 innings have vaulted him to the top of the NL starters' list.
Cain wiped out a three-start losing streak by setting a career-best win total on Sunday. he's been dazzling in many instances throughout the year, and Sunday's performance provided a glimpse at his improved performance. The two walks marked the sixth straight performance in which he issued three or fewer free passes, which is a promising trend for a hurler who's struggled with his control throughout his career. Make sure to start Cain on Oct. 3 when he takes on the Padres at cavernous PETCO Park.
A rough night on the rubber for Cain, who served up at least seven earned runs for just the fifth time in 135 career starts. He’s 0-3 with a 9.42 ERA over his last three starts, which may be an indicator that the wear and tear of his third consecutive campaign of 200-plus innings may be affecting him. Owners should probably exercise caution with the young righty going forward, as his next outing will come on Sept. 27 vs. a Cubs lineup that can put some runs on the board.
Cain fell victim to the long ball, as three of the four earned runs came courtesy of a pair of Rockies jacks. The All-Star hurler has now served up 22 homers on the year after surrendering five in his last four starts. He'll need to do a better job of keeping the ball in play if he wants to put the breaks on his two-game losing streak. Still, he remains a must-start in any format when he takes his stellar 2.71 ERA to Chase Field for a date with the D-backs next.
Cain allowed only one hit from the second through fifth innings, but had the poor fortune to give up two runs apiece in the first and sixth frames on a night when his offense didn't really show up. While his peripherals aren't nearly as dazzling as those of co-ace Tim Lincecum, Cain's breakout season remains a thing of beauty, from his 2.61 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on down. Cain faces the Rockies in San Francisco in his next start, on Sept. 16.
Cain snapped a seven-start winless streak in this one, and has hopefully escaped the dark cloud that led such starts as a nine-inning, three-hit shutout on July 29 and an eight-inning, one-run effort on Aug. 20 to turn to no-decisions. Cain's 2.51 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 145 strikeouts represent plenty of fantasy value in their own right, but it's nice to see him get back on the winning side of things. He'll look keep up the good work -- and keep some of the good fortune -- when he faces the Dodgers in San Francisco on Sept. 11.
It was Cain's fourth straight no-decision, which is a shame considering he missed more bats on Sunday than at any other time during the no-decision streak. Although Cain is generally considered to be a dependable source for Ks, he had fanned six-plus batters just twice in 11 starts heading into Sunday. The strikeout-prone Rockies lineup helped Cain make that three times in 12 starts, and the righty should be able to miss another slew of bats in his Sept. 4 appearance against a K-happy Brewers batting order at Miller Park.
Cain took his third straight no-decision -- all quality outings. While he's notched 12 wins -- one short of tying his career high -- he's certainly merited more. The young righty has fallen victim to poor run support, as he's thrown eight quality starts, including two scoreless efforts, which have resulted in no-decisions. Cain will go again Aug. 30 at home against a surging Rockies ballclub.
Cain made one mistake all day that was deposited into the bleachers by Laynce Nix. Other than that, it was a vintage performance from the young righty, who had struggled a bit before Thursday, going 0-2 with a 4.84 ERA over his last three starts. He appears to be back on track now, and will look to notch his first win since July 24 when he carries a 2.43 ERA into his next start on Aug. 25 vs. the D-backs.
Cain had been set to earn his first win in four starts until the Giants bullpen gave up two runs in the eighth inning that tied the game. Even without the win, Cain's owners have to be satisfied with his 2.49 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, both of which are his lowest figures in the four seasons in which he's been a full-time starter. He's a must-start option on Aug. 20 when the Giants travel to Cincinnati to take on the Reds.
Cain has lost his last two starts, putting himself on the hook for nine earned runs on 15 hits in 15 innings over that time frame. Not all is bad, though, as his 12/2 K/BB ratio during that span indicates that he should quickly return to tossing quality outings, as he did 15 times in his first 21 starts. He's a great option Aug. 15 against a punchless Mets squad at Citi Field.
Cain did everything he could to become the NL's first pitcher to 13 wins, but couldn't overcome the lack of run support. Regardless, it was another strong effort for the right-hander, who is enjoying the best season of his young career. Cain heads into his next outing against the Reds sporting a 2.25 ERA and a 117/54 K/BB ratio in 148 innings.
Cain certainly deserved a win for this performance, but his teammates couldn't scratch out a run until the 10th inning. The right-hander has been excellent all season, but may be in the midst of his best stretch yet with a 0.94 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP over his last six turns. Owners in all formats should use him with confidence next time out, Aug. 3 at Houston.
The rarefied Colorado air didn't seem to bother Cain on Friday, as he methodically set the Rockies down without much trouble. Cain has really thrown down the gauntlet over his last two starts, firing off 14 innings of two-run ball with 13 strikeouts. He'll take his 12-2 record into battle with him when he makes his next start on July 29 against the Pirates.
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