Jorge Campillo – Entering play yesterday, Campillo had a .86 ERA and .830 WHIP, and he was downright awesome again in his third start of the season yesterday. He allowed just one run (the only run he has allowed in three starts), while striking out 6 and walking none over 5 innings. After yesterday’s start, Campillo has struck out 33 batters in 36.3 IP while walking only 5. That is extremely impressive, especially for a rookie. There are a couple of concerns; he has not pitched late into any of his three starts, as he still needs to build endurance while he makes the transition to a starter. Also, Campillo is a fly ball risky pitcher. His current GB:FB ratio sits at .66, but all things considered Campillo’s future
appears to be bright.
Derrek Lee – Lee hit his 13th homer of the season last night, and that puts him on pace to hit 39 on the season. Besides a 46 HR campaign back in 2005, Lee has never really challenged the 40 HR mark. Two years ago, a wrist injury sidelines Lee for most of the season. Last season Lee hit just 22, but that also can be attributed to his wrist injury, as it often takes hitters who experience wrist injuries sometime to regain their power stroke. So, with Lee’s wrist completely healthy will he top 40 HR? Right now Lee’s HR:FB% of 18.8% is close to his career average of 17.9%, so his power this year is not due to luck in that department. Also, Lee’s total FB% has dipped to 33.2%. Once that number rises, and I think it will, to his career FB% of 38.4%, Lee could actually see even more power come his way. So, I’m taking the over on 40 HR for Derrek Lee.
Brad Penny – Penny was hit hard again last night. Penny walked more than he struck out (3BB’s and 2K’s) and gave up 6 runs off of 8 hits. He lasted only 4 innings. A big part of Penny’s problem has been a decreasing K:BB ratio. Since 2005 that ratio has dipped steadily (2.98/2.74/1.85/1.42). His ERA is also inflated because of a low LOB% of 63.6%, but Penny is susceptible to posting such a number because of his declining K rate. He is currently striking out 4.77 batters per 9 IP, while his career average is 6.39 batters per 9 IP.
Russell Branyan – In the Brewers last 5 games, Branyan has received 11 at bats, and it is possible that he may receive some more with Hall struggling. Yesterday, Branyan went 1-2 with a homer which resulted in the Brewer’s only run. Branyan may be a source of a power in NL-only leagues. Over the course of his career he has homered once in every 18 plate appearances. Last year he had 10 homeruns in just 194 plate appearances. However, Branyan (.229 career hitter) comes at some serious batting average risk. His career EYE is just .35, and his career contact rate is a pitiful 60%.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning. Members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here. Not a member? Join today.
