I know roto owners treat SP call-ups like winning lottery tickets so let’s take a look at Chicago’s AAA ace Brandon McCarthy, who took to the MLB mound for the first time on Sunday.

McCarthy, a former 17th round pick, led the minors in Ks last year with 202 in 172 IP between A/AA. He was 17-6 0verall with a 3.14 ERA, 134 hits in those 172 IP, and a 202/30 K/BB. Those are pretty dominating stats, but the elevated ERA shows he’s prone to giving up the long-ball. That’ll happen with guys who don’t feature overpowering stuff.

McCarthy throws a straight 4-seamer at 89-93, a change, and a curve. The change and curve are both average-above average, but look like they could be plus pitches in the very near future. He locates the fastball well and looks like he can add some extra zip when he needs it without his command suffering. That command is what gives him strikeout potential. He gets ahead in almost every count and can work the 0-2 strikeout with a curve or change. He keeps the ball low in the zone and on the corners and gets some nice swings and misses when he goes up to the letters. All-in-all, a very polished young player.

The verdict: He’s a very good pitcher at 6’7”, though not exactly a star. He’s been compared to Jack McDowell,

but if you’re looking to mirror him in a player who hasn’t been retired for 10 years then think John Thomson or Steve Trachsel. McCarthy looks like a #3 starter down the road who figures to pick up 14 W and 160 Ks/season with above average peripherals (say 3.50 ERA, 1.30 WHIP).

He figures to go back down to AAA once Orlando Hernandez comes off the DL. So don’t bid too aggressively. He’s a prime candidate for one, good beating by an AL team before he boards the plane back to Charlotte.