Russell Branyan: In what could be a sign of things to come, Bill Hall got the start against a right-handed pitcher on Monday and responded by going 3 for 5 with a solo home run. After a great start, 11 home runs in his first 78 AB, Branyan has not gone deep in his last 36 AB. Even semi-regular play exposes Branyan’s poor contact skills, 66% Ct% this year. If he maintains the better half of the platoon, he can be used in mixed leagues if you are desperate for power, just be aware that you will take a hit in the batting average category.
Mike Gonzalez: Even with Rafael Soriano coming off of the DL, Gonzalez has done nothing to lose the closer job, 4 for 4 in save chances with a 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings. He has yet to walk a batter, but historically has struggled with control, 2005/2006/2007 BB/9’s 5.6/5.2/4.2. If the control problems reemerge, it would not be surprising to see the Braves turn to the right-handed Soriano to close over the left-handed Gonzalez.
Ryan Franklin: After initially finding success as the Cardinals closer, Franklin has been terrible this month, 6.75 ERA in 6.2 innings, though miraculously he is 3 for 3 in saves. Franklin never had the skill set to be an effective closer; 5.8 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, and a 39% GB% and with the Cardinals contending it wouldn’t be surprising to see Tony LaRussa turn back to the more experienced Jason Isringhausen in the near future.
Homer Bailey: Despite turning in a decent performance against the Padres the other night, 3 ER in 6.1 innings, Bailey’s numbers for the year are still horrible; 6.29 ERA, 3.3 K/9, and a 4.4 BB/9. The lack of control in Triple-A, 3.7 BB/9 in 93.2 innings, and at the major league level casts doubt on whether Bailey can turn a corner at any point during this year.
Alex Romero: With a rash of injuries on the Diamondbacks, Romero should see some playing time in the near future. He has very little power (1 home run in 65 AB), an impatient approach at the plate (5.7 BB% in Triple-A and 3% BB% in the major leagues this year), and is a poor percentage base stealer (16 steals, but 13 caught steals in Triple-A over the last two seasons). His high Ct% of 89% means the best that you can hope for is an empty batting average.
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