Craig Monroe: With a 70% Ct% it is not surprising to see Monroe hitting .214, although a .176 BHIP% is not helping. Monroe can still hit for power, 7 home runs and 7 doubles in 126 AB. However with a 21% HR/FB, he is going to need to raise his FB% back to previous levels, 2006/2007/2008 FB%’s of 44%/48%/40%, to continue the power at this level.
Jason Varitek: At the age of 36, Varitek can still hit for power, 7 home runs and 13 doubles in 215 AB. However if he wants to turn some of those doubles into home runs, he will need to get more loft on the ball. That is unlikely considering his recent track record, 2005/2006/2007/2008 GB%’s of 45%/45%/42%/47%.
Jason Kubel: It looks like the 25 year-old Kubel is starting to put it all together, 11/40/.265. The only thing that makes him a borderline mixed league player is that he has yet to figure out southpaws, 2006/2007/2008 batting averages of .243/.236/.156.
Brian Roberts: Roberts is having an outstanding season, 5/30/.298 with 29 doubles, 7 triples, and 21 steals. Although he is showing the best power of his career, as a line-drive hitting machine, 26% LD%, it is not surprising that most of his extra-base hits are doubles (or triples because of his speed).
Hank Blalock: Blalock’s wrist is still bothering him and doctors have told him to take the next week off, which will further delay his return. Even when he does return, lingering effects from wrist injuries can affect power. This is beginning to look like a lost season for Blalock.
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