Cameron Maybin: The Marlins called up Maybin from Double-A where he had a good, but not great, season, 13/49/.277 with 21 steals in 390 AB. He showed a nice ability to work counts, 13% BB%, but is swinging and missing way too often, 68% Ct%. The poor contact skills in Double-A will most likely leave him overmatched against much better major league pitching. The 21 year-old remains a top prospect, but don’t expect anything from him the rest of the way this year.
Jesus Flores: It looks like Flores’ injured ankle will keep him out the rest of the season. After a hot start, Flores cooled down considerably, leaving him with average numbers for the season, 8/59/.256 in 301 AB. His power really dropped off in the second-half, 8 extra-base hits in 123 post-All-Star break AB. It is possible that pitchers began taking advantage of his impatience, 5% Ct%, and poor contact skills, 74% Ct%.
Conor Jackson: Jackson’s injured shoulder will keep him out of the lineup for a few more days, but he could be available to pinch-hit. It is disappointing that the 26 year old’s power is not growing, 15 home runs and 29 doubles in 415 AB in 2007 vs. 12 home runs and 28 doubles in 497, at an age where he should be showing gains. If the growth doesn’t come next year, it looks like Jackson will settle into being a hitter with league average power, but a solid contributor in the batting average category; .294 batting average, 11% BB%, and a 89% Ct% this year.
Kelly Johnson: For the second consecutive year, Johnson has proven to be a good, but not great, contributor, in five categories, 2007/2008 AB’s of 521/500, HR’s of 16/11, R’s of 91/78, RBI’s of 68/62, SB’s of 9/10, and batting average’s of .276/.284. At 26 years of age, Johson is entering his prime years and provides solid production from the middle infield spot.
Troy Glaus: The 32-year old Glaus’ home run totals have dropped significantly from his last full season, 38 home runs in 540 AB in 2006 vs. 23 home runs in 502 AB this year. Losing the benefits of power-friendly Rogers Centre (21% increase for RHB), 25 of his 38 2006 home runs were at home, has not helped, 11 home runs in 251 home game AB this year (Busch Stadium reduces RHB power by 19%). As he moves into his mid-30’s, his power should start decreasing more in addition to being handicapped by the tougher home stadium. Glaus can no longer be counted on as a top power hitter.
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