Fernando Martinez: Martinez is day-to-day with a sore knee. The 20-year-old is suffering from horrible luck, a .143 BHIP%, which is contributing to his poor numbers, 1/8/.176 in 91 AB. However, he is also not generating much power or plate patience, 5% BB%. Despite all of the Mets’ injuries, they would be better off letting him develop further in Triple-A, where he most likely will go once Carlos Beltran returns.
Raul Ibanez: There is still no timetable for Ibanez’s rehab assignment from his groin injury which puts a return right after the All-Star break in doubt. Prior to going on the DL, Ibanez was clearly enjoying moving from a pitcher’s park in Seattle, 23 home runs in 635 AB, to a bandbox in Philly, 22 home runs in 250 AB. Some of the 43 doubles that Ibanez hit last year are now clearing the fences, just 16 this year. However with a 42% GB%, a 42% FB%, and a 25.3% HR/FB, expect more of the fly balls to stay in the park upon his return, thus slowing down the rate of home runs.
Ross Ohlendorf: With mediocre skills, 4.9 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, and a 43% GB%, Ohlendorf is getting decent results, 7-6 with a 4.41 ERA, which makes him serviceable in NL-only leagues. However, be careful, if his .263% BHIP% begins to normalize, he doesn’t have the skills to weather that kind of a storm. It is ok to use him today in NL-only leagues for his start in Florida.
Joe Blanton: Despite showing by far the best dominance of his career, 2006/2007/2008/2009 K/9’s of 5.0/5.5/5.1/8.1, and decent control, 2.9 BB/9, Blanton is not putting up good numbers, 5-5 with a 5.08 ERA in 15 starts. An inflated .309 BHIP% can take part of the blame, but the real problem has been gopheritis, 18 home runs allowed in 88.2 innings. To cure that, Blanton will have to get back to his ground ball inducing ways, 2007/2008/2009 GB%’s of 47%/44%/39%, as his home park is not very forgiving with fly balls, FB%’s of 33%/35%/40%. He pitches at home today, but isn’t a bad play against a powerless Mets’ offense.
Mike Burns: The soon-to-be 31-year-old Burns will get his third start of the season today against the Cubs in Wrigley. So far the results have been good, 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in 16.1 innings. Although the sample size is small, if he continues with these skills, 5.0 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and a 51% FB%, he would be a disaster waiting to happen. Let someone else take that risk in NL-only leagues.
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