Dallas McPherson: The Marlins called up McPherson from Triple-A, where he had a monster season, 42/98/.275. He has legitimate power but consider that his home park in Albuquerque gave his power a boost and his 66% Ct% will get worse in the major leagues which will lead to a low batting average.
Takashi Saito: Saito says that he will pitch again this year and it could be within a week or two. Prior to going down with an elbow injury, Saito was extremely effective as the Dodgers closer, 17 saves in 20 tries with a 2.18 ERA, fully backed up by an impressive skill set, 11.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, and a 45% GB%. If he returns, he will be eased back into the role, but should reclaim it within a week or two from returning.
Will Venable: With Jody Gerut and Scott Hairston hurting, Venable will see some time in center field for the Padres. He has some pop in his bat, 14 home runs and 26 doubles in 442 Triple-A AB, but his home park will minimize his power. He struggles to make contact, 77% Ct%, so don’t expect any batting average help. There is speed in his legs, 21 steals in 23 attempts in Double-A in 2007, but for some reason he didn’t run that much in Triple-A this year, 7 steals in 10 attempts, so don’t count on him for speed.
Chris Carpenter: Carpeneter will be limited to an inning per appearance for the time being. Since he won’t be used to close games, his value is limited to NL-only leagues until his role is expanded.
Geoff Blum: Kaz Matsui will not be back until at least this weekend, which guarantees that Blum will continue to play regularly. At 35 years of age, Blum is in the midst of a career season, 13/45/.240 in 263 AB. Blum is not patient at the plate, 5% BB%, but for a player displaying his power, he is making good contact, 84% Ct%. If he can maintain the power and contact skills, there will be some upside to his current .240 batting average once his .201 BHIP% begins to normalize. However with an uneven distribution between his 13 home runs and 10 doubles, even if he keeps the power up, expect more doubles and less home runs.
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