Alexei Ramirez (SS - White Sox) - Alexei has been hot and cold the last few weeks, hitting only .182 over the last 7 days, but with 4 HR and 2 SB in the month of June. He looked to be turning around in May when he posted a .281 average, swiped 4 bases, and drove-in 14 runs. Instead, he has regressed and is hitting only .247 this month. After a break-out year in 2008, Ramirez continues to be a big disappointment in 2009, but I do see some hidden signs that he could have a breakout 2nd half. His BB/K has almost doubled from 0.295 to 0.563 from 2008 to 2009 while striking out at about the same rate of a K for every 8.0 plate appearances. So, even with a 40-point drop in average, his OBP has basically remained flat. More evidence of his plate patience can be found in the number of pitchers seen per plate appearance. He is seeing more than 0.5 pitches per plate appearance, averaging 3.27 in 2008 and 3.85 in 2009. I'll continue to hold him (or keep him on my buy-low list).
Jose Contreras (SP - White Sox) - Whatever Contreras did to get back on track, its working. After heading to the minor leagues to straighten himself out, Contreras has returned to the White Sox and pitched three straight quality starts. He's 2-1 in those outings with a 0.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 5.3 K/9. You know Contreras is on when his sinking stuff is working. It isn't a pronounced statistic, but he has converted slightly more ground ball outs with a GO/AO of 1.06. The "37" year old may have a little left in the tank, but you have to assume his struggles back in May will return in just a matter of time. He'll have his work cut out for him against the Dodgers next week. I can't recommend him for that start.
Kevin Slowey (SP - Twins) - Just another quality start for Slowey that led to his 10th victory of the year. He's starting to put together a string of consistency that makes him the ace of the Twins staff (I really do want it to be Francisco Liriano, but we know he has just been a shell of himself this season). Slowey converted his 7th quality start in the last 8 outings with a 6.0 IP, 1 ER start against the Astros in interleague play. He struck out 6, walked 4, and allowed 3 hits. This was, by far, his worst control of the year. Prior to walking four, Slowey hadn't walked more than 2 in any start this year. His K/BB is still 4.8 with a BB/9 of just 1.5.
Denard Span (OF - Twins) - Span may be on the DL, but he has already started to feel better. He did some "baseball activities" yesterday and will be scheduling a rehab assignment before he's eligible to return (June 26th). Owners have had a quick (and unfair) trigger with Span who is suffering from an inner ear infection. According to CBS Sports' fancy ownership graphs, since being placed on the DL, his ownership has dropped from 82% to 72%. He's not going to blow you away, but he is posting a 0.66 FPI along with speed (12 SB in 16 attempts). For the season, he's hitting .291 with a .371 OBP and 35 runs scored. Looks like a classic case of being underrated due to lack of power. If you're looking for speed and you have an open DL spot, snag Span.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (SP - Red Sox) - "WBC" is a swear word in the Dice-K household. Another terrible start for Matsuzaka. He couldn't get past the 4th inning, giving up 6 ER and 8 hits with 4 BB and just 2 K's. He has yet to pitch a quality start this season and his ERA has ballooned to 8.23 on the year to accompany his massively inflated 2.20 WHIP. John Smoltz is scheduled to make his first start next Tuesday, possibly pushing Dice-K out of the rotation and into the bullpen. I could give you the blanket statement of "with his track record, he has the potential to turn it around," but I honestly don't think he will. There's some serious damage going on there that is causing this type of performance and the leash is diminishing by the day. If you've held on to him this long, give him one more week. Then, pour yourself a stiff drink and cut him.
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