Chad Gaudin: Gaudin turned in another good performance last night, 2 ER in 7.2 innings, to improve his record to 8-3 with a stingy 2.88 ERA. His high GB% of 53% compensates for an average 5.6 K/9. At some point his high 4.0 BB/9 could lead to trouble, especially if either his high strand rate of 79% or low BHIP% of .241 begin to normalize.
Kevin Slowey: After the Yankees hit him hard yesterday, the Twins sent Slowey back to the minors. The team will not need a fifth starter until July 21st. His control skills have translated to the majors, 2.2 BB/9, but he is not striking out enough hitters, 4.6 K/9 to compensate for a high FB% of 49%. The high FB% also is leading to an incredible 13 home runs allowed in just 37 innings. There is no guarantee that he will get the call when the Twins need a 5th starter.
Scott Baker: Baker has turned in three consecutive quality starts, 4 ER in 20 innings. The key has been taming his biggest nemesis, the home run. After allowing 6 home runs in his first six starts, he has allowed just 1 in those three starts. A FB% of 47% in 2006 led to 17 home runs allowed in 83.1 innings, while this year he has cut his FB% down to 35%. If he can continue to induce more ground balls, his other skills, 6.7 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9, are ones that can lead to success.
Jeff Weaver: Don't think that Weaver has turned a corner after putting in 4 good starts, 5 ER over 28.2 innings. His FB% has actually increased to 43% from 38% in 2006, which will leave him susceptible to his biggest problem, the longball. Despite his high ERA, he has actually been quite fortunate with home runs, 5.7% HR/FB. With more fly balls allowed, that luck won't last. His other underlying numbers, 4.6 K/9 and a 2.1 BB/9 are uninspiring. Continue to avoid him in all formats.
Gary Glover: With Al Reyes going on the DL, Glover will be the new Rays' closer. He simply does not have the skills, 5.2 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, and a 50% FB, or the experience to succeed in the role. No matter how desperate you are for saves, avoid him, as the few saves that he might pick up will not be worth the damage to your WHIP and ERA.
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