Curtis Thigpen: With Rod Barajas day-to-day with lower back tightness, Thigpen could pick up a few starts. A look at his Triple-A numbers; 1/18/.228 with 6% BB% and a 79% Ct%, tells you all you need to know. He is not worth using in any format.
Adam Loewen: Loewen, who has been out with an elbow problem, is expected to begin a rehab assignment shortly and could be back with the Orioles within a month. The team will use him out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season to avoid putting too much stress on his elbow. The last time he pitched regularly was 2006 and he showed some intriguing skills, 7.9 K/9 and a 49% GB%, but assuming that he can get back to full strength at some point this year, he will need to work on his control, 5.0 BB/9, before he can take a step to the next level.
Aaron Laffey: Laffey has some intriguing skills, 51% GB% and a 2.0 BB/9, but keep in mind that his K’s are low, 4.4 K/9, and his current 3.02 ERA is benefiting from a .241 BHIP%.
Joe Blanton: Blanton’s solid 2007 numbers, 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA, were backed up by a good skill set 5.5 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, and a 47% GB%. However with the low K’s, it is a skill set that leaves little margin for error. This year, with his K/9’s down, 4.3 K/9, and walks up, 2.1 BB/9, his ERA has risen to 4.27.
Hideki Matsui: Matsui is putting up some nice numbers, 6/28/.337 in 205 AB, with a good approach at the plate, 10.9% BB% and an 89% Ct%. However with just league average power and an inflated .309 BHIP%, this could a good time to sell high.
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