Milton Bradley
Thanks to the MLB Extra Innings Package, as I was watching the LAD-ARI game when the immortal Vin Scully began talking about an incident going on in the Padres game involving Milton Bradley. Could he be in the stands fighting with fans, choking an umpire, or something worse? Quickly I flipped to the game and there was Padres manager Bud Black tackling Bradley, who was clearly trying to go after the first base umpire. There was also some indication of a hamstring injury. Black likely saved Bradley from an assault charge, but it's likely the volatile Bradley will be suspended for his actions. Strangely enough, there was zero indication as to what set Bradley off. No controversial call on the bases or anything, so perhaps chalk it up to frustration, as the Padres were losing again to the Rockies. Bradley is a guy the Padres can ill-afford to be without this week, as he had a 1.004 OPS in 144 at-bats with the Padres. Keep an eye on this situation. Late edit: Word later in the evening is that Bradley would undergo an MRI on his knee, and even more interesting were his comments that he was "baited"by the umpire. Pardon us if we don't believe him.
Rick Ankiel
Ankiel was 3-for-5 with a game-winning two-run triple on Sunday, his second consecutive 3-for-5 effort against the Astros this weekend. Ankiel went through a 1-for-25 slump shortly after the HGH allegations surfaced, so it's good to see him turn things around lately. Ankiel for the year is batting .277/.325/.546 in 141 at-bats on the year. We'd like to see better than a 35:12 K:BB, but for his first taste of MLB pitching, 2007 has been an unqualified success. Ankiel will probably have to compete for a job next spring, but so far so good.
Josh Anderson
We've touched on Anderson briefly this year, but a further examination seems to be in order. Anderson was 0-for-4 on Sunday, but he's still hitting .396/.463/.458 in 48 at-bats. Of his 19 hits, 16 are singles and three doubles. In the Pacific Coast League this year, Anderson batted .273/.325/.341. Speed is his #1 tool (40 steals in AAA this year and 43 last year in AA), so fantasy owners should take notice. There's very little power here, so Anderson's value will be dependent on his ability to play center field (he's okay there, not Willy Taveras great, but good enough) and get on base. Clearly the .463 OBP is great, but a .325 OBP in AAA gives us cause for concern. The Astros have two outfield positions locked down with Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence, but there could be an opportunity for Anderson next year, especially considering
the overall lack of team speed.
Brian Wilson
Wilson picked up yet another save on Sunday and has to be the favorite for the majority of the opportunities the rest of the way. Wilson and Tyler Walker were supposed to share the job, but it has been all Wilson over the last week since that announcement. With the news this week that the Giants would not bring back Barry Bonds in 2008, that frees up a nice chunk of payroll, but don't expect the Giants to spend a large part of that on a free agent (Coco Cordero?) closer, as the offense, particularly the outfield, needs an upgrade. That would make Wilson the overwhelming favorite for the closer job next year. Expect the Giants to sign a cheap veteran to compete for the job, but Wilson makes for a nice sleeper regardless.
Norris Hopper
With Ken Griffey, Adam Dunn, Josh Hamilton, and soon, Jay Bruce in the outfield mix, it's hard to see where Norris Hopper fits in next. We would expect an offseason trade (probably Dunn) to clear some room here, and Hopper is certainly doing his part to put himself in the mix for at least 250 at-bats next year. Batting leadoff, Hopper was 0-for-2 with three walks and a stolen base on Sunday against the Giants. Hopper for the year is batting .336/.375/.394. The lack of power could limit his opportunities going forward, and a BB/AB rate of just 6.2% isn't ideal for a leadoff hitter. The 14 steals are fine, but a SB% of 70% is okay, but a little lower than what you want to see. Expect Hopper to act as the team's fourth outfielder next year.
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