Russell Martin: While the 11 home runs and 21 doubles is impressive, it is hard to believe that Martin can keep up that kind of power with a 49% GB rate. Add in the rigors of catching as the season wears on and we could have seen the best of Martin already this year.
Chris Young: It has been a mixed bag for Young in his rookie season, 14/32/.235 in 306 AB, He is showing a nice power/speed package, 30 extra base hits and a perfect 11 for 11 in steals, but his low batting average has been disappointing. An unlucky 13% LD% and .195 BHIP% is partially to blame, but he will need to exercise better plate patience, .25 BB/K. He has showed that skill before, .73 BB/K in Triple-A last year, and it could be the last piece needed to turn this youngster into a superstar.
Jeff Francoeur: Now in his third season, Francoeur has shown only nominal growth in his two weakest areas, 2005/2006/2007 Ct%'s of 77%/80%/81% and BB/K's of .19/.17/.31. After hitting 29 home runs last year, his power is off, 10 in 367 AB, and his GB% is going in the wrong direction, 2005/2006/2007 GB%'s of 40%/45%/46%. He is still young, just 23 years of age, but there are too many holes in his skill set to consider him keeper material.
John Smoltz: Smoltz, who has been out with an inflamed right shoulder, is expected to come off the DL today and start against the Reds. At 40 year old, Smoltz can still get it done, 9-5 with a 3.07 ERA. There really has not been much of a dropoff in his skill set from his prime years, 8.2 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, and a 44% GB%. If healthy, he remains in the upper echelon of major league starters.
Luke Scott: Despite having inconsistent playing time, Scott is providing nice power, 10 home runs and 16 doubles in 227 AB. A low batting average of .225 has kept him from being a regular, but with 12.5% BB% and an unlucky .158 BHIP%, it hasn't all been his fault. If he settles into a consistent role, with his 42% FB%, he could be a nice source of power in the second-half.
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