Jimmy Rollins: While his .244 batting average is a disappointment, it is hard to argue with the power/speed package, 17 home runs and 25 steals that Rollins is providing from the middle infield slot. As Rollins is now on the wrong side of 30, he turns 31 in November, we may never see the likes of his 2007 monster season, 30/94/.296 with 139 runs scored and 41 stolen bases, from him again, but he is still very productive. The thing that is really surprising, given his good contact skills, 2007/2008/2009 Ct%’s 88%/88%/89%, power, and speed is that he consistently has low BHIP%’s, 2007/2008/2009.228/.217/.180. Maybe he is just not busting it down the line all time, costing him some extra singles. Regardless, this year’s BHIP% is low even for his standards, so there should be some nice batting average upside in 2010.
Carlos Ruiz: From behind the dish, Ruiz provides excellent contact skills, 88% Ct%, and some decent pop, 8 home runs and 19 doubles in 271 AB. On the negative side, given his lack of speed and consistently low Line drive rates, 2007/2008/2009 LD%’s 18%/18%/17%, it is not surprising that he also has consistently low BHIP%’s, 2007/2008/2009 #’s .208/.197/.171 and thus low batting averages, .259/.219/.245. However if he can maintain this kind of power next year and with a 2009 BHIP% low for even his standards, there could be some nice batting average upside, which could make him underrated going into 2010.
Todd Helton: After missing time with a back injury in 2008, Helton has come back with a nice year, 14/73/.328 in 460 AB. His power is way down from the 49 home runs that he blasted in 2001, but it is still slightly above league average. His real skills now are his approach at the plate, 14% and 87% Ct%, which legitimizes his .328 batting average. Progressing deeper into your 30’s with a bad back is not a good combination, but Helton should still be one of the more valuable fantasy first baseman next year.
Daniel Murphy: It has been a disappointing year for Murphy, 8/49/.260 in 416 AB, especially in the power department. He will be 25 years of age at the beginning of next year and at 6’2, 215 lbs, the power could come as his body continues to mature. Since there is not much speed here, he is going to need the power to develop if he is going to be a starter, especially a first baseman. At his age and if the Mets indicate that they he will be the favorite to start a first next year, he will be a good spec in NL-only leagues.
Angel Pagan: In the midst of a dismal Mets season, Pagan has been a bright spot, 6/28/.303 in 234 AB. He has great speed, 8 triples this year, but could use some work on his SB technique, 6 caught steals in 18 tries. He is already 28 years of age and carries an injury-prone label, but there are some good skills here, 7% BB% and an 85% Ct%, and some decent pop, 27 extra-base hits this year, to go with the speed. It would be interesting to see what he could do if the Mets gave him a starting spot in the outfield next year.
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