Kevin Kouzmanoff - Tony pointed out that Kouzmanoff is a batting average killer, but what is disappointing me so far is the lack of power. Kouzmanoff went yard two nights ago, but it was just his second homerun of the season. Part of the reason why is that Kouzmanoff’s GB:FB ration has increased. It was 1.02 last season when Kouzmanoff hit 18 homers, but it is 1.43 to begin this season. Furthermore, out of the fly balls that he is hitting, his IFFB% is 14.3% (3.8% last season). Kouzmanoff has bust written all over him.
Carlos Zambrano – Carlos Zambrano was in line for his 5th win of the season last night, when Kerry Wood blew the save in the 9th inning. Zambrano worked 6 and 1/3rd innings of one run ball. He gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 3. What stuck out was Zambrano’s ability to locate the ball. He threw 71 of his 111 pitches (64%) for strikes. This is why he has been able to walk 11 batters to 35 strikeouts, giving him a K:BB ratio of 3.18. For his career, the talented Zambrano has posted a K:BB ratio of 1.93. His increased control this year is mainly responsible in Zambrano’s early ERA and WHIP improvement. Before the year, I figured Zambrano to be a bust, but the increased control he has shown throughout the season’s first month is making me think otherwise.
Jeremy Hermida – Like a lot of people I expected this to be a breakout year for Hermida. Things started badly when he wound beginning the season on the DL, but he has played well since his return. He is hit .286 with 13 RBI’s in 19 games. Hermida’s current HR rate is just 2.7. Last year it was 3.8, and Hermida should end up around that number so expect some power to come his way soon. The one thing that concerns me, though, is Hermida’s EYE is just .21 (.47 and .45 the previous two seasons). Watch to see if Hermida’s plate discipline improves, and if it does not watch to see if it begins to negatively affect his performance.
Justin Upton – Upton went 1 – 4 with an RBI double the other night. He now has an AVG/OBP/SLG line of .327/.372/.554. I am definitely selling high on Upton, unless in a keeper league format. One day he will be a five tool star, but right now he is reaping the rewards of some good luck. His singles average is a ridiculously high .333. If anyone had that singles average I would expect them to regress, but especially in the case of a hitter whose career EYE is .32. Expect the power numbers to come down a bit as well, along with the average. His current HR:FB% is 16.7%. That is not oddly high, but I would still expect that number to drop some.
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