Josh Hamilton: The Rangers will decide this weekend if Hamilton’s injured ribs will require a DL stint, but are hopeful that he can rejoin the lineup early next week. You can count him out for this weekend. Hamilton had a breakout season in 2008, 32/130/.304, fully supported by his underlying numbers, 9% BB%, 80% Ct%, and a 46% FB%. With his high FB%, Hamilton is playing in the perfect home park. He is just entering his power prime years, he turns 28 years old later this month, so when he gets healthy, Hamilton should be primed for some more big numbers.
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Chien Ming-Wang: The Yankees are calling Wang’s injury a hip problem and he has been cleared to throw in an extended spring training game today. Something is obviously wrong with Wang, as 29 year old pitchers do not go from two successful seasons, 19-7 with a 3.70 ERA in 2007 and 8-2 with a 4.07 ERA, to complete disaster, 23 ER in just 6 innings this year. The lack of dominance in his skill set, 2007/2008 K/9’s of 4.7/5.1, BB/9’s of 2.7/3.3, and GB%’s of 58%/55%, does leave the margin between success and mediocrity on the thin side, but this is ridiculous. If healthy, expect Wang to bounce back and be a serviceable pitcher in mixed leagues.
Koji Uehara: After being hit with line drive, the x-rays on Uehara’s chest came back negative, so expect him to make his next start. After his first five major league starts, Uehara is showing pinpoint control, 1.8, but not much dominance, 5.7 K/9, and a propensity to give up the longball, 5 home runs in 30 innings. The control is nice, but for Uehara to find success, he will either have to ramp up the K’s or induce more ground balls, 24% GB and a 59% FB%. He is a very risky play right now.
Joakim Soria: Soria, who has not pitched since April 22nd because of a shoulder problem, reported no pain or discomfort from a bullpen throwing session and could be on track to return this weekend. The soon-to-be 25 year old, May 18th birthday, is already one of the top relievers in baseball, 42 saves in 45 chances with a stingy 1.60 ERA in 2008 and a perfect 5 for 5 this year, with an impressive skill set, 2008 K/9 of 8.8 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, and a 45% GB%. His return will be welcomed by the Royals and his fantasy owners.
Brett Anderson: The blister on Anderson’s finger will not cause him to miss any starts. The 21 year-old is trying to make the jump to the major leagues without the benefit of any Triple-A experience and so far the results have not been too good, 0-2, 5.01 ERA, 5.4 K/9, and a 3.1 BB/9. His numbers during 6 Double-A starts in 2008, 2.61 ERA, 11.0 K/9, and a 2.6 BB/9, makes him intriguing, but he is at least a year or two away from being a consistent fantasy contributor.
