Jason Isringhausen: On paper it has been a fine season for Isringhausen, 1.77 ERA and 26 saves in 28 opportunities. However, there is some trouble lurking beneath the surface. A depressed .164 BHIP% and a ridiculously low HR/FB% of 3.6% are masking the problem that his skills are no longer closer-worthy; 7.6 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, and a 46% GB%. It would not be surprising to see him implode over the last month of the season.
Tony Armas Jr.: Armas, who starts today against the Cardinals, has pitched six games since being reinserted into the starting rotation on August 1st. Although he has picked up two wins, the results have not been good, 6.56 ERA in 30.2 innings. For the year, he is 2-5 with a 6.75 ERA. His two main problems have been walks, 3.9 BB/9, and gopheritis, 15 home runs allowed in 80 innings. It is hard to recommend someone in any format when they have those two things going against them.
Carlos Villanueva: Villanueva, who had been pitching in relief, picked up a win last night after allowing just 1 ER in 6 innings in a start against the Astros. For the year, he is now 7-3 with a 4.47 ERA. His 8.3 K/9 is intriguing, but he will need to cut back on the walks, 4.1 BB/9, especially since he is an extreme fly ball pitcher, 48% FB%. As such a pitcher, he will always be susceptible to the home run, but he will need to minimize the damage with better control.
Carlos Beltran: Beltan is following up his monster 2006 season, 41/116/.275, with a solid season, 27/89/.280 in 460 AB. Last year, his batting average was robbed of some points by a ridiculously low .181 BHIP%, and while his luck is better this year, his average is still being depressed by a .222 BHIP%. In 2004, Beltran swiped 42 bases in 45 attempts. When he followed that up with 17 steals in 23 tries, one would have thought his days as a big contributor in the running game were in decline. Last year, he began to get back on track, stealing 18 bases in 21 attempts, and this year, despite missing some games, he stolen 20 bases in just 22 attempts. Beltran will turn 31 early next season, but he remains a top fantasy player for the power/speed package that he provides and if he can catch a few breaks, he can easily crack the .300 batting average barrier next year.
Carlos Lee: It has been another fine season for Lee, 27/105/.298, whose power has been remarkable consistent since 2003, 2003/2004/2005/2006/2007 home run totals of 31/31/32/37/27 and doubles totals of 35/37/41/37/39. His excellent Ct% of 90%, which is good for any hitter, but fantastic for a power hitter, and acceptable BB% of 9% has allowed him to hit around .300 over the last two seasons. One area that the 31 year-old Lee may be beginning to slip is steals, 8 steals in 13 attempts after swiping 19 bases in 21 tries last year. Even without the speed contribution, Lee remains a fantasy stud going into 2008.
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