Runelvys Hernandez: After two decent starts, 6 ER in 10 innings, Hernandez was shelled for 10 ER in 4 innings against, of all teams, Pittsburgh. Prior to those 3 appearances, the last time the 30-year-old Hernandez pitched in the major leagues was 2006, when his skills were well below par; 6.48 ERA, 4.1 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and a 39% GB% in 21 starts. At his age, there is not the potential for improving skills, so what you see is basically what you get, which is someone that should nowhere near your fantasy roster.
Damaso Marte: With Matt Capps out until at least September, Marte has inherited the Pirates closer role. He has always had the strikeout totals to be a closer, 2005/2006/2007/2008 K/9’s of 10.7/9.7/10.1/9.5, but it has been the improvement in his control, BB/9’s of 6.5/4.8/3.6/2.6, that has made him closer worthy. The ironic thing is that success in the near-term in this role could lead to a trade to a contender who will use him as lefty set-up reliever.
Tyler Yates: If Damaso Marte is traded, Yates could be next in line to close for the Pirates. With his poor skill set; 6.1 K/9, 6.6 BB/9, and a 48% GB%, this illustrates the sorry state of the Pirates’ pen.
Chris Carpenter: Carpenter threw a 60-pitch simulated game and reported no problems. He could begin a minor-league rehab assignment later this month. It has basically been a year-and-a-half since Carpenter pitched and a healthy return in no guarantee, but in 2006 his skills were elite; 7.5 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, and a 53% GB%. If he can return to anywhere near that level, he would make a fine addition to any fantasy pitching staff.
Darin Erstad: With Michael Bourn continuing to struggle, Erstad has been finding his name penciled into the lineup more and more lately. He is actually hitting for some decent power, 11 doubles and 2 home runs in 127 AB, but he no longer provides any speed, 1 steal in 3 attempts. It is doubtful that he can keep this kind of power up for much longer, last year he had 13 doubles and 4 home runs in 310 AB while playing his home games in very hitter-friendly US Cellular Field, which would only leave him with the potential of providing an empty batting average.
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