Eddie Guardado: Although his numbers look good, 3.02 ERA and a perfect 3 for 3 in saves, Guardado is a disaster waiting to happen as the new Rangers closer. He has a pedestrian 5.2 K/9; plus his 55% FB% is an awful fit for closing in tiny Ameriquest Park and a .145 BHIP% will not last forever. Let him wreck someone else’s’ ERA and WHIP.
Wladimir Balentien: The Mariners cut ties with Jose Vidro and recalled Balentien from Triple-A. Balentien has struggled at the big league level this year, 4/10/.202 in 114 AB. His power has been decent but he has had a real difficult time making contact, 68% Ct%. On the positive side, he was displaying huge power skills in Triple-A, 18 home runs and 20 doubles in 233 AB, while making much better contact, 79% Ct%. He could provide a power boost for a fantasy team for the rest of this year, just be aware that most likely, he will be a drag on your team batting average.
JJ Putz: If Putz has solved the control problems that have plagued him this year, 6.2 BB/9, then he should do fine as the Mariners closer. After being activated from the DL on July 20th, he had given every indication that the problem was behind him, 0 walks in 7.1 innings, but then in his first save situation following the demotion of Brandon Morrow, he walked 2 batters and blew the save. With the Mariners going nowhere, even if Putz struggles, he will most likely be the closer for the rest of the season. Watch the walk totals before using him with confidence.
Brandon Morrow: The Mariners sent Morrow to Triple-A to “stretch him out” in an effort to transition him into a starting pitcher. Just like Joba Chamberlain with the Yankees this year, he will have his pitch count increased in every appearance. The team plans to recall him in September which should give him 4 or 5 starts. Morrow put up very good in numbers as a reliever this year; 1.47 ERA, 11.7 K/9, and a 3.6 BB/9. As a starter his K/9 will go down but should still be at a very respectable level. The real worry with Morrow will be his control as his BB/9 was elevated as a reliever and he has really struggled in the past with walks, 7.1 BB/9 with the Mariners in 2007. Keep an eye on the walk totals from his Triple-A starts to get a read on how his control will hold up as a starter with the Mariners next month.
Daric Barton: It has been a real rough season for Barton, 4/27/.214 in 299 AB. The only skill that has translated to the major leagues from his nice minor league numbers is his impressive 13% BB%. After posting an 85% Ct% in a solid 72 AB audition with the A’s last year, his Ct% has dropped to 75%. What is making his low Ct% completely unacceptable is his lack of power, just 16 extra-base hits in 348 PA. Barton turns 23 years old next week, so his power could still develop as his 6’0, 225 lb body matures, just don’t expect anything out of him this year.
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