Fantasy Focus: Missing Bats, Finding the Zone When I evaluate pitchers, I begin with two questions: Do they miss bats? Do they find the strike zone with consistency? We measure the answers to the two questions in terms of strikeout rate, or strikeouts per nine innings (K/9), and walk rate (BB/9). Elite starters typically post a K/9 of 9.0 or higher and a walk rate under 3.0. A 7.0 K/9 is generally considered commendable, so let's look at a handful of perhaps lesser-known pitchers who reached that mark last season while walking three or fewer per nine innings. Cory Luebke, Padres (9.9 K/9, 2.8 BB/9) - I follow pitchers pretty closely, but I was still stunned by Luebke's strikeout rate last year. Luebke finished with a 3.29 earned run average in 17 starts for San Diego and will slot in as a key member of the rotation again. I'd temper my enthusiasm a little, given that Luebke sort of came out of nowhere, but you don't miss this many bats and then completely fall apart. Teams are going to have more video on Luebke this year, but fantasy owners will probably still get their money's worth. Vance Worley, Phillies (8.1, 3.1) - Worley got his share of press as a rookie of the year candidate, but in that rotation, he's still a bit under the radar. Worley is supposedly competing for the No. 5 spot with Joel Pineiro and Kyle Kendrick, but unless he unravels this spring, Worley will be the guy. Worley is working on his secondary pitches, and should those come together quickly, his stock could rise. Chris Capuano, Dodgers (8.2, 2.6) - Capuano posted a 4.55 E.R.A. for the Mets, but the two numbers in parentheses led to an xFIP of 3.66 - the E.R.A. he should have had, given the things a pitcher can control. Factor in his move to pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium, and Capuano could post a sub-4.00 E.R.A. with 160 or more strikeouts. Jonathon Niese, Mets (7.9, 2.5) - Niese is my pick to be the Mets" best pitcher this year, and it might be a runaway. The key will be his ability to stay healthy for the entire season, something Niese was unable to do in 2011. Niese isn't overpowering, but his curve is excellent and he does a great job keeping the ball on the ground. He won't ever be a true No. 1 starter, but he has solid No. 2 potential. Homer Bailey, Reds (7.2, 2.3) - Bailey is widely known as a former elite prospect, but it hasn't quite come together for him consistently - yet. Bailey turns 26 in May, so it's his time to either step up or continue down the path of unfulfilled potential. Bartolo Colon, Athletics (7.4, 2.2) - In a division featuring Albert Pujols and the Texas Rangers lineup, Colon is going to face some tough offenses. He was on a great roll last year before injuring his hamstring in mid-June and struggling the rest of the way, but the strikeout and walk rates finished very strong. Colon turns 39 in May, and since stealing Johan Santana's Cy Young award in 2005, he has either struggled or been hurt most of the time (before last season), so there is serious doubt as to whether he can toss an effective 200 innings. Brandon Beachy, Braves (10.7, 2.9) - Is Beachy really still under the radar? In nonexpert leagues, he may well be. In 25 starts for the Braves last year, Beachy finished with a 3.68 E.R.A. and that impressive K/9 rate. One concern is the low 33.8 percent ground-ball rate, but when you throw that many strikeouts, it's not as big a concern. Look for 2012 to be Beachy's coming-out party. Others: Jaime Garcia, Cardinals (7.2, 2.3); Ted Lilly, Dodgers (7.4, 2.4); Ervin Santana, Angels (7.0, 2.8); Max Scherzer, Tigers (8.0, 2.6); Scott Baker, Twins (8.2, 2.1); John Danks, White Sox (7.1, 2.4). David Regan is a senior baseball writer for RotoWire.com.