Joakim Soria: It didn't take Buddy Bell long to figure out that David Riske is not a closer. It looks like he is leaning towards using Soria, the rookie, Rule 5 pick, as the closer. It doesn't make much sense when Joel Peralta, 7.0 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 2006 is also in the bullpen. Soria looked good this spring with 6 ER, 15 K's, and just 1 walk in 15 innings. But with relatively little minor league experience and pitching at this level for the first time, he is such an unknown quantity that he should be used at your own risk.
Wily Mo Pena: It looks like the 25-year old Pena, who has yet to start a game this year, will need an injury to get extended playing time. It is a shame, because with a growing fly ball rate, 32% in 2005 to 39% last year, and at an age where power is developing, it would have been interesting to see what kind of power numbers he can put up, especially playing half of his games staring at the Green Monster. Of course he is playing behind the brittle JD Drew, so there is hope. Pena is clearly not the .301 hitter who impersonated him last year. He was aided by an unsustainable .348 BHIP% and makes terrible contact, 67% last year. He would make a good pickup if an injury gets him in the lineup, just don't expect him to hit for average.
Jamey Wright: According to Manager Ron Washington, Wright will remain in the rotation as long as he his healthy. He has complained of arm soreness, but being the 5th starter, he is not scheduled to start until April 21st. Wright is an example of a pitcher with a skill set perfectly suited for The Ballpark, 58% GB% in 2006, but is simply not good enough to be a major leaguer, 4.6 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 last year. If his first start of 5 ER in 2.2 innings against the Devil Rays is any indication, he will not be in the rotation very long. He should be avoided in all fantasy formats.
Jaret Wright: The Orioles placed Wright on the 15-Day DL with right shoulder soreness. Wright has been a very mediocre pitcher over the last two years, 2006 numbers of a 4.50 ERA, 5.4 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, and a 38% GB%. It was just three years ago that Wright put up a 15-8 record, with a 3.29 ERA, which happened to be under the tutelage of his current pitching coach, Leo Mazzone. Don't count on it happening again, in 10 major league seasons, Wright has never had a BB/9 below the acceptable 3.0 level and only twice has had a K/9 cross over the 7.0 level. Chalk up 2004 as being a career year. He had more value when pitching for a very good team like the 2006 Yankees, where at least he could pick up wins, 11 last year.
Trot Nixon: Nixon is off to a hot start, batting .353 in his first 17 AB. As a lefty batter, he gets the better part of the platoon in right field. Whether because of a conscious effort, declining bat speed, or injuries, Nixon has changed his approach at the plate. The power that led him to 28 home runs and 87 RBIs in 2003 has declined three straight seasons to the point where his power is below average for an outfielder. On the other hand, his batting eye has increased three straight seasons, .63/.90/1.07 and his contact rate which was 78% in 2003 has also increased in the last years, 84%/86%/85%. His days as an asset in mixed leagues seem to be over, but he still has use for a good batting average in AL-only leagues.
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