David Huff- CLE- Rookie- Huff is getting a third start after all. His first two were disasters, as he lasted no longer than 3-2/3 IP in either and gave up at least 6 runs in both. Huff has had uncharacteristic control problems this season, walking 5 in 6-2/3 IP at the major league level and 16 in 39-1/3 IP at AAA Columbus before being called up. Huff has some potential, but something is not quite right with him this season. Whether it is injury or something else, he is not a good bet until and unless he can find the strike zone more consistently.
Josh Beckett- BOS- Caution- Beckett takes the mound today having thrown at least 113 pitches in 5 of his last 6 starts. That equals his number of 110+ pitch starts for all of 2008. Even if there is no short term effect from this level of usage, there is a decent chance that it will impact him later in the season.
Anthony Swarzak- MIN- Rookie- Swarzak takes the mound today for his second big league start having already peaked in terms of career ERA mark. There is nowhere for it to go but down after he threw 7 shutout innings in his debut. Since correcting a mechanical flaw in his delivery following a disappointing start to his 2008 season at AA, Swarzak has been lights out, going 8-4 with a 2.02 ERA at AAA in 14 starts between last year and this. He has a good fastball that can reach the mid-90s and a hard downward breaking curve. There are doubts about the quality of his changeup, which could make him vulnerable once he goes through the league a second time, but for now, he is likely to have some success. Unless he can develop some additional effective pitches, he may land in the bullpen eventually.
Nolan Reimold- BAL- Hot- Reimold did not start yesterday, but did prove to be pivotal after entering the game as a pinch hitter. His game winning homer in extra innings was his 4th in 49 ABs this season. Reimold did strike out twice, but one of those was on a called third strike that was actually out of the strike zone. Reimold has earned more playing time in the Baltimore outfield and his homers will be a fantasy plus.
Josh Anderson- DET- Hot- Anderson added 30 points to his batting average with a 4-for-5 effort that also included his 10th steal of the season. His .302 average has not been bolstered by extreme luck, with his .262 BHIPx being reasonable, considering his speed. A game like yesterday may be enough to earn him some more regular playing time.
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