Jose Bautista: Bautista’s powerless .266 batting average, just 2 home runs in 143 AB, is even worse than it appears. With a 69% Ct%, an inflated .310 BHIP%, and a history of low BHIP%’s, 2006/2007/2008 BHIP%’s of .221/.217.227, expect Bautista’s average to head south in the second-half.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Saltalamacchia has not stepped up to seize the Rangers’ catching job, 6/29/.244 in 234 AB. Although the power is decent, his approach at the plate has been terrible, 7% BB% and a 64% Ct%. He strikes out way too much to be an everyday player and with a .308 BHIP%, his batting average could get worse in the second-half.
Brett Gardner: Gardner has blazing speed, 18 steals, 5 triples, and an inside-the-park home run in just 177 AB. His approach at the plate has improved, 10% BB% and an 85% Ct%, that if given regular playing time, he will be a top speed contributor. Prior to the All-Star break, he started in 6 of the last 8 games, so the regular playing time could already be here.
Nelson Cruz: Cruz is showing an impressive power/speed combo, 22 home runs and 13 steals in 297 AB. With a depressed .220 BHIP%, there should be some nice upside from his .263 batting average in the second-half.
Adam Jones: In his second-full season, the 23-year old Jones is putting up good numbers, 12/47.303 in 320 AB. He is showing nice growth in his approach at the plate, 2008/2009 BB%’s of 5%/7% and Ct%’s of 77%/79%, and power, 9 home runs in 477 AB last year. However for continued power growth, Jones is going to need to get more loft on the ball, 51% GB%, so don’t expect a power surge in the second-half of this season. Also despite having speed, 7 triples last year, Jones is going to have to work on his stolen base techniques, 4 caught steals in 10 tries.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning, members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here: www.fantistics.com/baseball00/. Not a member? Join today: www.fantistics.com/join/join.php3
