Andy LaRoche: Nice debut for the 23-year old rookie, 3 for 8 with 2 RBI and a stolen base after his first 3 games. The problem is that Laroche was not exactly tearing it up in Triple-A, .245 average, 3 home runs, and 4 doubles in 94 AB. He was making decent contact, 86%, and exercising nice plate patience, .79 batting eye, so chances are the low batting average was plagued by some bad luck, .211 BHIP%. However, the lack of power in a very friendly hitting environment is troubling. Don't expect to him to come to majors and suddenly find his power stroke.
Hunter Pence: After his first 40 AB, the early returns on Pence have been mixed. He has shows some nice power with a home run, 2 triples, 2 doubles, and 7 RBI. While the 2 triples show some speed, he has been caught in his only stolen base attempt. He will need to exercise some better plate patience, 1/7 BB/K, if he is going to help in the batting average category. With no other real alternatives and based on his potential, the Astros will give him a long look as the center fielder. For the potential power/speed package, he is worth using in mixed leagues, but if his contact rate drops and/or he continues not to exercise plate patience, it would be a good idea to be proactive and reserve him.
Adam LaRoche: For those who have been sticking with Laroche, patience has not been rewarded as of yet, .168 batting average. With just 7 extra-base hits in 107 AB, his power has been below league average and he is striking out at an alarming clip, 67% Ct%. But there are some encouraging signs, a .169 BHIP% is depressing his average and he is still drawing walks, 13 BB%. In the last week, he has shown signs that he is ready to break out of this slump, 81% Ct% and a .375 batting average. He has a history of slow starts and players with his 2006 second-half numbers, 20/50/.323, deserve to be given extra patience.
Rafael Furcal: The ankle injury that forced Furcal to miss the beginning of the season could still be bothering him. After stealing 37 bases last season, he has just 3 in 4 attempts which would put him on pace for about half of 2006's total. With just 4 doubles and zero home runs in 102 AB, he is exhibiting none of the power that he displayed in the second-half of last year, 11 home runs and 20 doubles. This could go either way, the ankle could continue to be a problem all year or he could be 100% soon. Just in case, it might not be a bad idea to talk up his second-half of last year and deal him.
Jason Simontacchi: Simontacchi came of the DL and started last night against the Brewers, allowing 4 ER in 6 innings. He last appeared in the majors during the 2004 season sporting a 5.28 ERA in 15.1 innings. This was coming off the heels of a 2003 season in which his ERA was a generous 5.56 in 126.1 innings. In his rehab starts in Triple-A, he wasn't exactly lighting it up, 6.18 ERA in 10.2 innings. If that isn't enough for you to avoid him at all costs, consider that his career numbers of a 4.7 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, and a 42% GB% scream Triple-A pitcher.
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