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Shaun Marcum

A month ago, I wrote a post about the Blue Jays' Shaun Marcum, and it was in the context of the Blue Jay's closer situation.  Marcum had just gotten a save, and I speculated that he'd be a good option if Jason Fraser was in trouble.  I was correct that other closing options needed to be explored, but incorrect about who the closer would be.

Now Marcum is starting for the Jays and doing a very good job.  He opened with six no-hit innings and followed those with four more against the Phillies before finally allowing a hit in the 5th and finishing with six solid innings of work.  He has two starts and 12 innings under his belt with 13 strikeouts.  Can this be for real?

His minor league stats through AA are good.  His one season as a AAA starter was not so good despite an OK 90 Ks in 103.2 innings and a 5:1 K:BB ratio.  If his Ks hold, I can see him being an option in mixed leagues searching for strikeouts albeit one in which a spoonful of sugar may be needed to make the move go down.

In an AL-only, I am not so sure.  What are your thoughts?