Hank Blalock: It has been a mixed bag for Blalock this season. While he is displaying very good power, 23 home runs, his batting average is suffering, .237 in 414 AB. A depressed .195 BHIP% isn’t helping, although it is not that far off from the last couple of seasons, 2007/2008 BHIP%’s .227/.226, but his approach at the plate is declining into dangerous territory, 2007/2008/2009 BB%’s 9%/7%/5% and Ct%’s 82%/84%/77%. Blalock will be only 29 years of age at the beginning of next year, so there should be plenty of power left in him, but unless the trends in his approach at the plate reverse, you will be getting batting average downside to go with the power. It is also interesting to note that, despite a very hitter friendly home stadium, Blalock has actually been a better hitter on the road, 12/37/.219 in 219 home AB vs. 11/21/.256 in 195 AB.
Jason Varitek: After seeing his power decline over the last few seasons, 2006/2007/2008 AB’s 365/435/423, Doubles’ 19/15/20, and Home Runs’ 12/17/13, Varitek’s power has rebounded nicely this year, 14 home runs and 23 doubles in 330 AB. The struggles with his batting average, just .218 this year, can be blamed on a very depressed .169 BHIP%. For someone with his power, he is still displaying a nice approach at the plate, 13% BB% and a 76% Ct%. Just keep in mind that Varitek will be 38-years-old at the beginning of next season, with a lot of wear and tear from 12 seasons behind the dish for the Red Sox, so expect some declines.
Delmon Young: Things are really not looking good for Young, 8/43/.265 with 10 doubles and 2 steals in 306 AB. Besides the lack of power and speed, his approach at the plate is actually getting worse, 2007/2008/2009 BB%’s 4%/6%/3% and Ct%’s 80%/82%/75%. He turns 24 years of age next week, so he is still young enough to turn it around, but the trends are not encouraging. Let someone else chase this “potential” next year.
Brendan Harris: Without power, speed, or a good approach the plate, 6/34/.264, 0 steals, 6% BB%, and an 81% Ct%, Harris has received more playing time, 379 AB, than he deserves. At 29 years of age, it is unlikely that you will see enough improvement in any area that would justify using him as a regular. He needs to be nowhere near your fantasy radar in 2010.
Michael Young: Young has justified the move to third base on the offensive end by putting up the best power numbers of his career, 22 home runs and 35 doubles in 521 AB. However the combination of his age, 33 years old at the beginning of next year, GB%, 2008/2009 GB%’s 47%/45%, and lack of power in the previous few seasons, 2006/2007/2008 home runs’ 14/9/12, you may be disappointed if you are expecting that kind of power from him next year.
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
