Ian Post’s 10 Bold Predictions for 2017

We're continuing our week of bold predictions after featuring Ben Palmer's yesterday morning. What fun would fantasy sports be without the chance to officially document 10 bold predictions that you think have a shot at becoming a reality? Then to be able to look at them one month into the season and remember how dumb you are? By the way, I'm the only representative of the Pacific Northwest currently on staff here at Pitcher List, so forgive me if it seems like I talk about the Mariners too much. Someone has to talk about us...things like preseason bold predictions are what make the hobby of fantasy baseball so great - so what the hell, let's do this. Here are my ten bold predictions for the 2017 fantasy baseball season.

1. Felix Hernandez returns to form and finishes as a top 10 SP

Everyone seems to have written off the once perennially beloved ace of the Mariners staff for 2017 – and admittedly for good reasons. The biggest issue being the dip in velocity he's endured over the past 3 seasons with his 2-Seamer. 2016 was the first season since 2008 that Felix held a K/9 under 8 (7.16 - career low) as well as a BB/9 above 2.68 (3.82 - career high). I'm not saying Felix pulls a Verlander and magically finds another 3mph on his Fastball, but I am saying that he has the pitch mix to adapt his approach to remain successful. With a rebound in both strikeouts and walks allowed, an amazing defense behind him, a healthy season of 230+ innings, an above average offense to rack up some Wins, and the determination of a former Cy Young "King", I'm all in on a surprising 2017 rebound for Felix Hernandez. To quote the man himself, “The last few years have not been Felix years. I am prepared for (the work). I am going to go there and show everybody in the world, if they don’t believe in me, that I am going to be King Felix again.”

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