A-level LIMA grades in 2026: low xERA; high K%-BB%
Feb 22 2026
Ron Shandler's “Low Investment Mound Aces” strategy dates back to when Jose Lima was a pitcher who fit the bill: inflated actual ERA when a far better skill set determined by strikeout rate, walk rate, home run rate and WHIP numbers. Typically, when a pitcher posts actual numbers that are worse than these skill indicators would suggest, their price is depressed the following year, but the expectation should be that the pitcher will bounce back to post numbers in line with those skill indicators. This gives you a discount advantage at auctions or drafts because of different relative expectations.
This column gives you the LIMA A+ and LIMA A graded relievers with xERAs better than 3.75 and K-BB% at or better than 17%. There is not a...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From Relief Pitchers
This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
These five pens are going to figure out roles during Spring Training. Kevin Ginkel appears to be the favorite in Arizona, but let's look at the known options from a skills perspective.
Feb 15 2026 3:07am
Feb 6 2026 3:04am
The initial set of BaseballHQ projections is on the board, and we initially wade through it for three things: LIMA A or B+, at least a 20% K-BB%, and at least one save. Here is that list.
FREE
Jan 16 2026 3:02am
FREE
Jan 16 2026 3:02am
