Jose Bautista: Bautista’s powerless .266 batting average, just 2 home runs in 143 AB, is even worse than it appears. With a 69% Ct%, an inflated .310 BHIP%, and a history of low BHIP%’s, 2006/2007/2008 BHIP%’s of .221/.217.227, expect Bautista’s average to head south in the second-half.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Saltalamacchia has not stepped up to seize the Rangers’ catching job, 6/29/.244 in 234 AB. Although the power is decent, his approach at the plate has been terrible, 7% BB% and a 64% Ct%. He strikes out way too much to be an everyday player and with a .308 BHIP%, his batting average could get worse in the second-half.

Brett Gardner: Gardner has blazing speed, 18 steals, 5 triples, and an inside-the-park home run in just 177 AB. His approach at the plate has improved, 10% BB% and an 85% Ct%, that if given regular playing time, he will be a top speed contributor. Prior to the All-Star break, he started in 6 of the last 8 games, so the regular playing time could already be here.

Nelson Cruz: Cruz is showing an impressive power/speed combo, 22 home runs and 13 steals in 297 AB. With a depressed .220 BHIP%, there should be some nice upside from his .263 batting average in the second-half.

Adam Jones: In his second-full season, the 23-year old Jones is putting up good numbers, 12/47.303 in 320 AB. He is showing nice growth in his approach at the plate, 2008/2009 BB%’s of 5%/7% and Ct%’s of 77%/79%, and power, 9 home runs in 477 AB last year. However for continued power growth, Jones is going to need to get more loft on the ball, 51% GB%, so don’t expect a power surge in the second-half of this season. Also despite having speed, 7 triples last year, Jones is going to have to work on his stolen base techniques, 4 caught steals in 10 tries.

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