Aaron Miles: Miles started his rehab assignment yesterday and should be back with the Cubs on Wednesday. With injuries and inconsistent play in the Cubs infield, Miles should see plenty of playing time. He doesn’t hit for power, 0 home runs in 106 PA, and despite a perfect 3 for 3 in steals, his output over the last couple of years, 5 steals in 8 attempts in 267 games, suggests that you shouldn’t count on him as a speed source. He is an impatient hitter, 2007/2008 BB%’s of 6%/6%, but makes outstanding contact, Ct%’s of 90%/90%, so with a .184 BHIP% depressing his .204 batting average, there should be some upside in that category, but not much else.
Edwin Encarnacion: The Reds will decide by this weekend if Encarnacion, who has been out with an injured wrist, is ready for a rehab assignment. After putting up a solid power season in 2008, 26 home runs and 29 doubles in 506 AB and entering his prime power years, big things were expected for the 26 year-old, but he was really struggling before he went on the DL, 1 home run 63 AB. Even when he comes back, wrist injuries have a habit of lingering and taking a toll on power, so a big power season for him might be delayed until 2010.
Randy Wolf: Wolf brings a 3-1 record with a 3.21 ERA into his home start today against the Phillies. His skills are good, 6.9 K/9 and a 2.6 BB/9, but he is enjoying a depressed .259 BHIP% and has had a tendency in the past to get wild, 2007/2008/2009 BB/9’s of 5.2/3.4/3.4, which when combined with his high fly ball totals, 45% FB%, could lead to some trouble down the road. This wouldn’t be a bad time to sell high on Wolf.
Bronson Arroyo: Despite boasting a 7-4 record, Arroyo is sporting a high 5.37 ERA. A 65% strand rate can take part of the blame, but Arroyo’s skills have declined, 2007/2008/2009 K/9’s of 6.7/7.3/4.7, BB/9’s of 2.7/3.1/3.1, and GB%’s of 35%/42%/42%. With those skills and his gopheritis, 12 home runs in 70.1 innings, this is not someone you want in your fantasy lineup, especially when he pitches in his homer-happy home park, where he goes today against the Cubs.
Tommy Hanson: Super prospect Tommy Hanson will make his major league debut today at home against the Brewers. He certainly had nothing left to prove in Triple-A, 1.49 ERA, 12.2 K/9, and a 2.3 BB/9. We will soon find out if that will translate to immediate success in the big leagues, but you have to like his chances.
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