Derek Jeter: Jeter can celebrate for getting the unbreakable record of most hits in Yankee Stadium history, but his skills appear to be declining. His approach at the plate has remained consistent, 2006/2007/2008 BB%’s of 10%/8%/8% and Ct%’s of 84%/84%/85%, but his power is declining, 12 home runs and 39 doubles in 2007 vs. 11 home runs and 25 doubles, and he is no longer a big speed threat, 11 steals in 16 attempts. At the age of 34, Jeter remains an above average shortstop, but is no longer among the elite.
Anthony Reyes: The Indians have shut down Reyes for the rest of the season. Since joining the Indians, it looks like Reyes has taken a big turn for the better, 1.83 ERA in 6 starts, but his skills say it has all been a mirage, 3.9 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, 46% GB%. The alleged late season surge will likely leave Reyes overvalued going into next season.
Dallas Braden: Braden is likely done for the season with a groin strain. His ERA showed improvement, 2007/2008 #’s of 6.72/4.14, while his skills went backwards; K/9’s of 6.8/5.2, BB/9’s of 3.2/3.1, and GB%’s of 37%/38%. The ERA difference can be explained by horrible luck in 2007, 58% strand rate and a .339 BHIP%, vs. no luck either way this year, 73% strand rate and a .304 BHIP%. So while it appears Braden took a step forward, in reality he took a step backwards.
Chone Figgins: Figgins has now appeared in 9 games at second base and with Howie Kendrick most likely out for the rest of the regular season, he could log a few more games there. If that allows him to qualify as a middle infielder in your league, then his value goes up significantly. Figgins has the skills, no power (1 home run in 425 AB), but plenty of speed (32 steals) of a middle infielder.
Erik Bedard: Bedard has a tear in his labrum and a cyst in his left shoulder. With surgery likely, Bedard should miss at least half of next season. The shoulder bothered him most of the season and explains how Bedard went from one of the best pitchers in baseball last year; 3.16 ERA, 10.9 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a 47% GB%, to a much less effective pitcher in 2008; 8.0 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, and a 40% GB%. You can safely cross off Bedard’s name on any keeper lists.
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