In a preview of the upcoming MLB season, through the prism of fantasy baseball, ESPN's Tristan Cockcroft argued that looking past wins, losses and ERA and at a pitcher's command numbers (strikeouts, walks etc.) was a great way of predicting future performance.
If it works in the majors, what about for NPB pitchers?
Altering Cockcroft's formula slightly — by adding a quality start component and upping the innings requirement — there do seem to be a few NPB players who could surprise fans this year.