Hanley Ramirez: Despite an average Ct% of 84% and a BB% of 7.3%, Ramirez is batting a sizzling .341. A slightly inflated .297 BHIP% is helping, but the real reason behind the high average is the awesome power/speed package that Ramirez possesses 60 extra-base hits and 37 steals in 458 AB. The scary thing is that at just 23 years of age, his power could even get better as his 6'3, 195lbs body matures. Even if he wasn't a middle infielder, he would be one of the top players in fantasy, but as a shortstop he becomes even more valuable.
Conor Jackson: Jackson has elite skills at the plate, 88% Ct% and a 1.14 BB/K, but an unlucky .223 BHIP% is depressing his .275 batting average. With just 9 home runs and 22 doubles in 320 AB, his power is just league average. At 25 years of age, we will know if he is going to mature into a power hitter in the next couple of years. With the rest of his skills being so good, it is a process worth monitoring.
Ted Lilly: The switch to the National League has seemed to agree with Lilly, 13-5 record with a 3.51 ERA. One of the keys to his success is reigning in the walks, 2004/2005/2006/2007 BB/9's of 4.1/4.1/4.0/2.4, while maintaining a good K/9 of 7.4. However there are signs of danger ahead. A very depressed .196 BHIP% and a too high FB% of 48% point to his ERA heading north for the rest of the season.
Brian Giles: After hitting just 2 home runs in his first 286 AB, Giles has 5 homers in his last 13 AB. The 36 year old's power has been in a decline since 2003, 2002/2003/2004/2005/2006 home run totals of 38/20/23/15/14. Part of the decline can be attributed to moving to a home stadium that decreases left-handed batting power by 11%. With his GB% in six-year uptrend, 31%/33%/36%37%/40%/42%, it is more than just a home ballpark factor at play here. Don't expect him to suddenly return to his power numbers that he put in the early 2000's.
Josh Hamilton: Hamilton was activated from the DL and should play regularly in the outfield the rest of the way. The 6'4/205lbs Hamilton has shown awesome power in his rookie season, 14 home runs and 11 doubles in just 208 AB. Despite a subpar Ct% of 76%, the power and excellent plate patience, 11.4 BB%, should allow hit to continue to post a good batting average, .279 this year. He is worth using in all formats.
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