Casey Kotchman- LAA- Hot- Maybe Kotchman is a Fantistics subscriber and read Monday’s blurb about him needing more patience at the plate. Only once yesterday did he swing at a first pitch and went 5-for-5. In 3 of his at bats, Kotchman did not swing until the 4th pitch he saw. This could be a turning point for him if he maintains this level of patience at the plate.
Clayton Richard- CHA- Rookie- Clayton Richard’s major league debut was not auspicious in most respects. He allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in 4 IP on 7 hits and a walk. This is a far cry from Richard’s minor league numbers this season. At the AA and AAA levels he posted an ERA of 2.44 and WHIP of 0.91 in 121-2/3 IP. In one category, however, Richard was impressive. He struck out 7, including inducing Josh Hamilton to whiff three times. Coming into this season, the lefthanded Richard had a fairly extreme lefty/righty split and looked like he might be destined to eventually be a LOOGY in the majors. This season, however, he has actually reversed his tendencies, holding righthanded hitters to a .202 average while still allowing southpaws to only hit .214 against him. Yesterday’s start is not necessarily representative and Richard could end up making a decent contribution this season to the White Sox.
Jason Bartlett- TB- FYI- Bartlett returns to the Rays’ lineup today, but for how long is a question mark. Tampa Bay has been rumored to be in the market for a shortstop and with Bartlett’s numbers, it is understandable. He owns a .256 average with no homers. This is despite enjoying an above average .274 BHIPx. For three years in a row, Bartlett has had horrendous Septembers, averaging .203 in the month. The final month of the season may actually account for something in Tamp Bay this year, so trying to replace Bartlett makes sense.
Sean Gallagher- OAK- FYI- In his first two starts as an Athletic, Gallagher continued a trend of pitching better at home than on the road. This is not surprising for an Oakland pitcher, as the spacious fall ground at McAfee Coliseum is very friendly for them, so this trend is likely to get more pronounced. In his time with the A’s and the Cubs Gallagher has posted a 3.30 ERA at home and a 4.87 mark on the road. Gallagher will need all the help he can get as he faces the powerful Texas lineup tomorrow, but this will be the best place for him to take them on.
Kevin Millwood- TEX- Inj- Yesterday marked the fifth time this season that Millwood had to exit a start due to injury. This was the third time for the groin injury that also cost him DL time. In addition he has left starts twice because of a bruised shin. Given the uncertainty of Millwood’s health as well as his spotty performance he is best left alone for the rest of 2008.
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