Chris Young: With 6 home runs in 53 September AB, Young is reminding people why they were so high on him coming into this year. However with an historically low BHIP%, 2007/2008/2009 BHIP’s .192/.216/.147, Young is going to have to make better contact, Ct%’s 75%/74%/70%, if he is not going to be a complete drag on your fantasy team’s batting average, .237/.248/.206. While his 56% FB% is good for his power, it certainly will not help his batting average, as more fly balls increase the chance of home runs, but also fall for the more outs than line drives and ground balls. He turned 26 years of age earlier this month and going forward it looks like Young will be a big power/low average kind of player. It is how big that power is which will determine if he stays a regular.
Albert Pujols: The best hitter in baseball, 47/127/.331, Pujols backs up his great numbers with an amazing skill set, 17% BB%, 88% Ct%, 47% FB%. It is hard to believe that someone who generates that much power can make such great contact. He turns 30 years of age in January, so he is still in his power prime years. Expect more of the same great numbers in 2010.
Manny Ramirez: Even at the age of 37, Ramirez is still generating awesome power, 18 home runs and 21 doubles in just 315 AB. There is no erosion in his other skills, 2007/2008/2009 BB/%’s 13%/14%/16%, Ct%’s 81%/77%/78%, and FB%’s 41%/39%/43%, so despite turning 38 years old next May, there is no reason to believe that Ramirez will not continue putting up big numbers in 2010.
Carlos Lee: While Lee is still maintaining a good approach at the plate, 2007/2008/2009 BB%’s 8%/8%/7% and Ct%’s 90%/89%/92%, the decline in his power is troubling, 2007/2008/2009 AB’s 627/436/550, Doubles’ 43/27/29, and Home Runs’ 32/28/26. It could be the hamstring injury that nagged him during the season or entering his mid 30’s, he turns 34 next June. If it is the latter, this could be the new level of power. Either way, he is still a protectable player.
James Loney: A few years ago, Loney was a young player with a great approach at the plate with the potential to develop power as his body matured. Now, he still has a great approach at the plate, 11% BB% and 89% Ct%. but at 25 years of age and being 6’3, 220 lbs, the power should be here already, just 12 home runs and 24 doubles in 527 AB. There really are no signs that it is coming next year.
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