R.A. Dickey: With Felix Hernandez missing at least one start and Miguel Batista not pitching well, Dickey has a shot to stick in the Mariners’ starting rotation. Prior to shutting out the Mets over 7 innings, the 33 year-old knuckleballer had been bombed in his three previous starts, 17 ER in 11 innings, but has been very effective in relief, 1.96 ERA in 23 innings. With good peripheral numbers; 6.3 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 49%, Dickey has some value in AL-only leagues, but for the time being it would be safe to avoid him if he is starting.
Robinson Tejada: The Royals claimed Tejada off of waivers from the Texas Rangers. As a fly ball pitcher, 2006/2007/2008 FB%’s of 45%/51%/45%, Tejada has been trapped in two of the worst home parks for home runs, Philadelphia and Texas. A move to pitcher friendly Kaufmann Stadium will certainly help, but Tejada will still have to show much better control, BB/9’s of 3.9/5.7/7.5, before he becomes a fantasy option.
Sidney Ponson: Ponson will start the second game of today’s doubleheader against the Mets. Ponson’s success with the Rangers, 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA, was not from being overpowering, 4.0 K/9, but rather from a little luck, .270 BHIP% and a 75 S%, and an ability to induce ground balls, 57% GB%. For success with the Yankees, Ponson will need to keep the walks in check, something he has been able to do this year, but has struggled with in the past, 2006/2007/2008 BB/9’s of 3.3/4.0/2.6, continue to induce ground balls, and hope his defense plays well behind him.
Carlos Gomez: Gomez certainly has the speed to be a leadoff hitter, 20 steals, but if he is going to find consistent success in that role, he needs to make much better contact, 75% Ct%, and draw more walks, 3.7%. His stolen bases alone give him fantasy value, but he is clearly a work-in-progress for the rest of his game.
Aubrey Huff: After a disappointing 2007 season in the power department, 15 home runs in 550 AB, Huff has bounced back this season, 14 home runs in 284 AB. With his approach at the plate remaining stable, 2006/2007/2008 BB%’s of 9.9%/8.0%/9.3% and Ct%’s of 86%/84%/83%, his increasing FB%, 36%/38%/40%, bodes well for continued success and a good shot at hitting 30+ home runs for the season.
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