Alexi Casilla: Given his lack of power, 0 home runs in 148 AB, Casilla will need to make better contact, 86% Ct%, and draw more walks, 5.1 BB%, to be effective. It is surprising that he has swiped 9 bases in 10 tries, considering that he was caught 12 times in 36 attempts in Triple-A this year.
Dallas Braden: The A's are recalling Braden to start today's game against the Tigers. He was not effective in his previous time with the big league club this year, 1-7 with a 6.32 ERA, although a 60% strand rate can take part of the blame. As a fly ball pitcher, 49% FB%, he will be susceptible to the longball, 8 home runs allowed in 52.2 innings. His work in Triple-A this year, 9.3 K/9 and a 3.0 BB/9, and even in the majors, 7.2 K/9 and a 3.1 BB/9, hints a some potential, but you probably want to avoid him until he can string a couple of good starts together.
Adrian Beltre: Although it is not even close to his monster 2004 season, 48/104/.334, Beltre is enjoying a good year, 21/69/.282 with 36 doubles. His batting average is the product of his power as he is getting no help from his .226 BHIP%. With better luck, Beltre could tack on some points to his batting average in the final month of the season.
Jacoby Ellsbury: The Red Sox recalled Ellsbury from Triple-A and he could steal playing time from Eric Hinske Ellsbury spent the bulk of this season in Triple-A, where he put up good numbers, 2/28/.299 with 33 steals in 355 AB, supported by good skills, 87% Ct% and a .70 BB/K. He won't play enough to be a factor in mixed leagues, but could provide a boost in the steals and runs categories for AL-only leagues.
Clay Buchholz: Buchholz's no-hitter last night against the Orioles in his second major league start will make it hard for the Red Sox to take him out of the rotation. Buchholz was so dominating in the minors this year, 12.1 K/9 in 86.2 Double-A innings and 12.8 K/9 in 38.2 Triple-A innings, that he could be a factor in mixed leagues if he gets a couple of more starts.
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