Wesley Wright: The Astros recalled Wright from Triple-A to work in middle relief. His dominance shows some nice potential, 2008/2009 K/9’s of 9.2/9.9, but until he gets the walks in check, BB/9’s of 5.0/4.0, you will see a high ERA, 5.01/7.24.
Felipe Paulino: Paulino was placed on the DL with a strained groin, which should not cause him to miss too much time. His 7.63 K/9 shows potential and some misfortune, 66% strand rate and .345 BHIP%, can take part of the blame for his high 6.18 ERA, but he will also need to cut down on the walks, 3.5 BB/9, before he can find consistent success.
Charlie Morton: Morton, who left his last start after an inning because of a hamstring problem, will avoid the DL and may even make his next scheduled start. It is quite apparent that the 24-year-old Morton has mastered Triple-A, 2008/2009 ERA’s of 2.05/2.51, K/9’s of 8.2/7.7, and BB/9’s of 3.1/2.2, but he struggled in his first shot at the major leagues last year, 6.15 ERA, 5.8 K/9, and a 4.9 BB/9. Based on his minor league success and ability to induce ground balls at the big league level, 50% GB%, he is worth monitoring, but he will need to cut back on the walks.
Sean West: West has been getting it done, 2.22 ERA in 4 starts, with less than impressive skills, 5.6 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and a 51% FB%. He won’t be able to rely on an 81% strand rate and a .145 BHIP% forever. When those numbers start to normalize, his lack of dominance, combined with the poor control and high amount of fly balls will lead to trouble. He is a risky play today in Toronto’s homer-happy stadium.
Manny Parra: Parra has taken a step backwards with his already shaky control, 2008/2009 BB/9’s of 4.1/5.7, and it is leading to an ugly 6.86 ERA in 12 starts. If he ever works out the control problems, his strike out/ground ball combo, 7.9 K/9 and a 48% GB%, makes him quite intriguing. Today he gets the start at home against the White Sox.
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