Mike Gonzalez: Gonzalez could be activated from the DL as early as today and immediately enters into the mix for save opportunities. Although he has looked good in the minors, 8 K’s in 5 innings, it is hard to believe that Gonzalez will be at full strength after returning from elbow surgery. Even when healthy, his shaky control, 2005/2006/2007 BB/9’s of 5.6/5.2/4.2 could lead to trouble.
Jesus Flores: Even with Paul LoDuca back, Flores will continue to be the starting catcher for the Nationals. Flores has been outstanding, 4/25/.311 with 14 doubles in 106 AB. He displayed some nice power in Single-A back in 2006 before being forced to spend a full-year on the Nationals roster in 2007, clearly before he was ready (He was a Rule-5 pick). It is doubtful that he will keep this kind of power up, but at the young age of 23, we could be looking at a developing power-hitting catcher.
Brad Penny: The Dodgers received some good news when it was revealed that Penny’s sore shoulder showed no structural damage. He is still expected to miss his next start and a trip to the DL is a possibility. Based on his performance, 5.88 ERA in 85.2 innings, and skills, 4.9 K/9 and a 3.8 BB/9, it looks like the shoulder has been affecting his performance. If you are contending this year, you may want to put Penny on reserve until he gets a complete clean bill of health.
Troy Tulowitski: Tulowitski could return from the DL as early as today. He says he is pain-free and suffering no lingering effects from the quad injury that sidelined him. Last year was a breakout season for the 23 year-old, 24/99/.291, but he was struggling before the injury, 1/11/.152 in 105 AB. A ridiculously low .111 BHIP% explains the batting average and with the small sample there is no reason to panic about the lack of power.
Mike Hampton: Hampton is ready to make a start for the Braves’ rookie league team. If all goes well in two starts, he will begin a minor league rehab assignment. He has not pitched since 2005, and even then his skills were nothing special; 2004/2005 K/9’s of 4.5/3.5, BB/9’s of 3.4/2.3, and GB%’s of 52%/51%. To expect him to come back at the age of 35 from a serious injury that cost him three years and pitch better than 2004/2005 is asking a lot.
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