Sean Rodriguez: The Angels called up Sean Rodriguez to replace the injured Howie Kendrick on the roster. The 22 year-old Rodriguez showed some nice pop in Double-A last year, 17 home runs and 31 doubles in 508 AB. However, he can use some work on his approach at the plate, .40 BB/K and a 75% Ct% which led to a .254 batting average. Despite having some speed, 15 steals, his technique needs to improve, 8 caught steals, before he can steal bases against major league catchers. If Macier Izturis starts hitting, Rodriguez won’t play that much, but even if he does, expect some struggles.
Adam Everett: Everett went on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis. Offensively, Everett has no power, 2 home runs in 220 AB in 2007, and poor skills, 6% BB% and an 86% Ct%. Given that, it is no surprise that he hits for a poor batting average, 2005/2006/2007 averages of .248/.239/.232. Speed used to give him some value in NL-only leagues, 21 steals in 2005, but he has not run much or very well over the last two seasons, 8 caught steals in 21 attempts. He has no fantasy value, even in AL-only leagues.
Joe Crede: It looks like the back problems that sidelined Crede for most of last year have not affected his power, 5 home runs in 59 AB. With such a high FB%, 2006/2007/2008 #’s of 51%/54%/56%, and a hitter friendly home stadium, expect the power to continue.
Ramon Hernandez: Hernandez is hitting the ball on the nose, 27% LD%, and making great contact, 93%, yet only has a .194 batting average to show for it, because of a .130 BHIP%. His 2 for 3 performance with 2 doubles last night could be the beginning of a hot streak. Expect some batting average upside in the near future.
Jason Giambi: Giambi is really struggling, 2/6/.116 in 43 AB. He is still working counts well, 19% BB%, and is actually making pretty good contact, 81% Ct%, but just is not hitting the ball hard, 8% LD%. This means that he is seeing good pitches, but not doing much with them. At the age of 37 and with his injury history, this has to be a major concern. Due to his abnormally low .030 BHIP%, he will have some batting average upside, but his days as a productive fantasy mixed league player are over.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning, members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here: www.fantistics.com/baseball00/. Not a member? Join today: www.fantistics.com/join/join.php3
