Vicente Padilla: Padilla’s next start has been pushed back to Tuesday because of some minor soreness in his shoulder. With below average skills, 4.9 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, and a 50% GB%, Padilla has been mediocre, 6-4 with a 4.75 ERA. However if his .278 BHIP% begins to normalize or his FB% reverts to last year’s level, 2008/2009 FB%’s of 31%/38%, things will go from mediocre to ugly very quickly.
Jose Molina: Molina, who has been out since May 8th with a torn left quad, is set to begin a rehab assignment and is about 10 to 14 days away from rejoining the Yankees. Molina is like Jesus Alou, who didn’t have Felipe’s power or Matty’s speed, as he does not have Bengie’s power and contact skills or Yadier’s plate patience and contact skills, 4 home runs in his last 312 AB with a 2008 BB% of 4% and Ct% of 80%. He is clearly in the majors for his defense and should not be on a fantasy roster.
Brian Tallet: Tallet brings his 5-5 record and 4.47 ERA into a road start against the Yankees today. His 6.8 K/9 is acceptable, but his 4.3 BB/9 and 44% FB% makes him a poor choice for home starts or in any other cozy ballpark like Yankee Stadium.
Tim Wakefield: Hard to believe but the soon-to-be 43 year-old Wakefield, at 10-3, is on pace for a 20+ win season. However his skills are below average, 4.8 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, and a 38% GB%, and he is experiencing good fortune, 68% strand rate, a .280 BHIP%, and a ridiculous 4% HR/FB%. If any of those begin to normalize it could get real ugly for Wakefield. Despite the negatives, he is a good play at home today against a weak and depleted Seattle lineup.
Lucas French: French will make his first career start on the road against the Twins today. He was putting up good numbers in Triple-A this year, 2.98 ERA in 81.2 innings, backed up by good skills, 7.9 K/9 and a 2.2 BB/9. At this point, those in AL-only leagues should monitor the 23-year-old, but wait a couple of starts to see if he is worth activating.
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