Impact pitching prospects for fantasy baseball

You knew all there was to know about pitching prospects – David Price and Tommy Hanson, right? Others will produce given the opportunity.

RHP Mat Latos, Padres - San Diego’s top pitching prospect has put a forgettable 2008 behind him. With a mid- to upper-90s fastball and two other quality pitches, Latos, 21, has dominated – a 1.28 ERA and 65 strikeouts against 12 walks – at two 2009 stops. One homer allowed? PETCO Park beckons.

Latos has made huge strides. Friars general manager Kevin Towers admits the 6-foot-6, 225-pounder is on his radar. SD probably won’t call on Latos until August or September, to limit his innings. This organization desperately needs hope, though.

RHP Bud Norris, Astros - Armed with a mid-90s fastball, this 6-foot, 225-pound bulldog is ripping through Class AAA Round Rock, Texas: a 2.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 88 punchouts in 87 innings. Minute Maid Park favors right-handed hitters; Norris has dominated them (.205 average against).

His control has regressed (4.34 walks-per-nine rate), but he’s developing a changeup. Norris, 24, needs that third offering to remain a starter; otherwise, he’s a future closer. Where and how he contributes depends on the Express’ playoff hopes and whether the ‘Stros make their typical late-season push.

RHP Neftali Feliz, Rangers - His promise as a starter (3.86 ERA, 55 punchouts in 60 2/3 frames) is undeniable, but Texas is contending and needs bullpen help. Feliz, 21, moved to the ‘pen at Class AAA Oklahoma City, Okla., and may join Texas’ soon. Maturity, power curve, moving changeup, exploding fastball … closer for the stretch run?

Frank Francisco has been outstanding – when he’s healthy. Two DL stints plus injury history equals trouble. C.J. Wilson is effective now, but come playoff race time? This could be Adam Wainwright redux: Feliz’s lifetime 46.9 percent groundball rate would play well at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.