I have to register my astonishment at how great Bronson Arroyo has been in the second half for the Reds. After allowing just 1 ER in 6.1 IP with 6 K's last night against the slumping Cubs, he brought his second half ERA to under 3.30 and has quality starts in 6 of his last 7 appearances. I still don't like where his walks are at this point, not to mention a very high WHIP, so I am convinced this is more a good stretch of luck than skill on Arroyo's part. He simply doesn't throw enough strikes for my liking and leaves the ball out over the plate far too much. I think his first half in 2006 was more of an aberration than skill.
Considering the nature of his second half surges so far in his career, Garrett Atkins has been sorely disappointing post all-star break this season. He hit 14 homers in the first half as opposed to 4 in the second while hitting .304 before the AS break and just .262 since. His .260 batting average against right-handed pitching certainly hasn't helped his cause but neither has his career low (thus far) 36 BB opposed to 80 strikeouts. I still think Atkins is a powerful player but I think the second half numbers from him this season have to raise some concerns. He had a great start to the season in 2008 as opposed to his horrendous start in 2007, and strangely might end up with worse numbers in every category. I would only take Atkins next year if you can get a good price for him in your draft (5th or 6th round, which is very unlikely).
Mike Pelfrey was pretty impressive again last night despite getting the loss for his efforts as he allowed 2 ER on 4 H and 2 BB in 7 IP with 4 K. The outing marks his 5th straight quality start and is the first time in those starts that he has collected a lost. I think his K rate this year has much to be desired from a starter who has the ability to strike out a lot of batters but the improvement in his control and confidence are great to see. I think Pelfrey could make a really great 4th or 5th guy next season and you should be able to get him in the later rounds without much difficulty.
Brett Myers was phenomenal again last night as he pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 3 H and 2 BB while striking out a season high 10. Myers has been outstanding since the all star break, posting an ERA under 1.70 with a K/9 of 7.97 and a 6-1 record. In his last 6 outings, he's collected 5 of those 6 wins with an ERA of 1.19 and a K/9 of 9.75. Myers is looking to finish this year extremely strong and is making a case for being a far higher draft pick in 2009. Personally, I would not take him as anything more than a 4th starter at this point, but I am also very critical of pitchers.
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