Carlos Quentin: After breaking out big-time last year, 36/100/.288 in 480 AB, it has been an injury-filled, disappointing year for Quentin, 15/35/.226 in .265 AB. With his approach at the plate remaining relatively stable, 2008/2009 BB%’s 12%/9% and Ct%’s 83%/84%, and his FB% increasing from 43% to 46%, the injuries have obviously taken a toll on his power. With continually low BHIP%’s, 2007/2008/2009 #’s .182/.223/.176, his .288 average from last year was clearly generated from his power, so while a drop off is understandable, this low of a BHIP% suggests a lot of batting average upside next year, especially if he recovers his power. At the beginning of next year, he will still only be 27 years of age, which, if healthy, makes him a prime bounce back candidate.
Mike Lowell: Despite missing time with a chronic hip problem, the 35-year-old Lowell is still putting up good numbers, 16/66/.302 in 378, with solid skill support, 87% Ct%. If he didn’t miss time with injuries, those numbers in a full-time role would make him one of the top third baseman in the major leagues. However going forward and with the hip problem, the risk of rostering Lowell greatly increases as he progresses deeper into his 30’s.
Chone Figgins: Figgins is having a big year, 3/47/.310 with 100 runs score and 39 stolen bases. Despite having little power and a so-so 82% Ct%, it seems like Figgins speed allows him to consistently produce a higher than average BHIP%, 2007/2008/2009 #’s .345/.305/.317, which gives more legitimacy to his .310 batting average. Since speed is for the youth, Figgins does not seem like the type of player who will do well into his late 30’s, but at 31 years of age, he should have several more good seasons ahead of him.
Macier Izturis: Despite having numbers, 8/55/.298 with 11 steals in 319 AB, and skills, 8% BB% and an 89% Ct%, worthy of playing full-time, the Angels’ crowded infield cuts into Izturis’ AB. He turns 29 years of age on September 12th, so this is most likely as good as it gets, but if Izturis can land a true full-time job next year, he will be a valuable option in all formats.
Rob Johnson: Despite having some poor surface numbers, 2/25/.221 in 235 AB, it is not as bad as it appears for Johnson. With 18 doubles, he is generating some power and if he could get more loft on the ball, 45% GB%, some of those doubles will turn into home runs. He has a decent approach at the plate, 9% BB% and a 77% Ct%, and has hit the ball hard, 22% LD%, but is being hampered with a .206 BHIP%. He will still be only 26 years of age at the beginning of next season and if a few things come together, Johnson would not be an offensive liability behind the dish.
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
