Kei Igawa: Igawa has been awful this year, 7.63 ERA in 30.2 innings. He was an effective pitcher in Japan, but one thing he did struggle with was the longball. Unfortunately that has carried over across the Pacific Ocean, as he has already allowed 8 HR. With a 57% fly ball rate, the home runs should continue to be a problem. The rest of his peripheral stats, 6.2 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9 do not offer much encouragement. He should be avoided in all formats.
Carlos Silva: Don't be fooled by Silva's nice start, 2-2 with a 2.75 ERA. When a pitcher has numbers like his, 5.0 K/9 and a 2.3 BB/9, a high GB% is needed for success over the long-term. Coming into this season, Silva's GB% was in a 5-year tailspin, 58%/55%/51%/49%/44%. So far this year, it has sunk even lower, 43%. The 83% strand rate that is depressing his ERA will not last.
Miguel Tejada: Despite being off to a nice start batting average wise, .350, it is not hard to notice the continuing decline in Tejada's power, 5 doubles and just 2 home runs in 117 AB. His contact skills, 89% Ct%, and batting eye, .62, are at their usual levels, although the batting average is being aided by a .350 BHIP%. The declining power is the continuation of a three-year trend, home runs 34/26/24, doubles 40/50/37, and RBI, 150/98/100. Working against him is that he is on the wrong side of 30, turns 31 this month, and a four-year uptrend in his GB% 45%/47%/48%/51% that is not showing signs of improving this year, %. Although he remains an upper-level fantasy shortstop, the days of big power from him could be over.
Shea Hillenbrand: Whether it is the lingering effects from a groin injury or just a steep decline in skills, Hillenbrand has simply been awful this year, 0/7/.232, with just two extra-base hit in 95 AB. With the complete lack of power and an abysmal batting eye, .13, the only positive thing to be said about this year is that he is still making good contact, 92% Ct%. Being a veteran and with a rash of injuries to the team, Hillenbrand will be given a chance to show that he is not finished. But with an abundance of young talent on the team, if it doesn't happen in the next month, he could be out of a job.
Mark Teahen: So far this year, 3/13/.272, Teahen hasn't continued the strong growth that he showed in the second-half of last year, 14/50/.321. His contact rate, 80% to 71%, and batting eye, .63 to .47, have slipped. It is still early enough in the season for Teahen to improve. Just based on the second-half of last season, it would be worth trying to acquire him from a disgruntled owner.
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