Melvin Mora: At this point in his career the 36 year-old Mora offers about league average power, 10 home runs and 14 doubles in 294 AB, while his approach at the plate remains steady, 2006/2007/2008 BB%’s of 8%/9%/8% and Ct%’s of 84%/82%/84%. His .228 batting average is being held down by a .189 BHIP%. If the BHIP% begins to normalize, there should be some nice batting average upside as Mora has the skills of a .270 to .280 hitter, his batted .274 in both 2006 and 2007.
Jeff Clement: In his first 98 PA in 2008, it has been a mixed bag for Clement. He is showing decent power, 6 extra-base hits, and a good batting eye 11% BB%, but he is having trouble making contact, 62% Ct%. A .195 BHIP% is contributing to his .179 batting average, but he will need to make much better contact if he wants to get off the interstate. His minor league track record offers hope, 2007/2008 Triple-A Ct%’s of 81%/83%. With Seattle going nowhere, he should get an extended opportunity to prove that he belongs in the major leagues. He makes for a good speculative pick for teams in keeper leagues playing for next year.
Carlos Gonzalez: You have to be a bit skeptical when a 22-year-old is showing more power at the major league level than he was earlier in the season at Triple-A, just like Gonzalez is currently doing, 2 home runs and 14 doubles in 112 Major League AB vs. 4 home runs and 9 doubles in 157 Triple-A AB. On the flip side his approach at the plate has declined since the promotion, 3% BB% and a 77% Ct% with the A’s vs. 8% BB% and 81% Ct% in the minors. Gonzalez is a top prospect but expect the power to decline in the second-half and with his poor approach at the plate his batting average could suffer as well.
Alex Rodriguez: If the rumors about the breakup of his marriage are true, it should be a true media circus about who his wife and ARod will be dating, custody battles, name-calling, financial settlements, etc. Whether or not that affects ARod’s performance on the field remains to be seen. Despite missing 3 weeks with an injury, ARod is having another big season, 17/47/.321 with 17 doubles and 11 steals. There is no better power/speed combination in baseball.
Billy Butler: Butler is back in the major leagues after having his way with Triple-A pitching, 5/13/.337 in 101 AB. At 22 years of age and with a 51% GB% don’t expect much power from him. With a strong approach at the plate, 9% BB% and an 86% Ct%, the most you can hope for is some batting average upside.
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