Brad Penny: Penny, who has been out with a strained lat muscle, is about two weeks away from returning. Prior to the injury, Penny was putting up good numbers, 3.23 ERA in 9 starts, with solid skills support, 5.7 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, and a 52% GB%, so if he was dropped in your league, go ahead and grab him now. He shouldn’t anchor a mixed league fantasy staff, but he would be a good addition for the back end of your rotation.
Dana Eveland: The Pirates acquired Eveland from the Blue Jays, where he was having a rough time, 3-4 with a 6.45 ERA in 9 starts. LHP moving from the AL to NL usually experience success right away but someone with Eveland’s skill set, 2009/2010 K/9’s 4.5/4.2, BB/9’s 5.3/5.4, GB%’s 57%/52%, is more than likely to be the exception to the rule. Soft-tossers who can induce ground balls can succeed, but they need much better control than Eveland’s current numbers. Even if the Pirates put him in their rotation, stay away from him in all formats.
Placido Polanco: Polanco, who is nursing a bruised elbow, isn’t expected back in the Phillies lineup until at least Friday. He is putting up his usual, light power but productive numbers, 5/21/.306 with 11 doubles in 183 AB. The 34-year-old is maintaining his poor plate patience, but outstanding contact approach at the plate, 2008/2009/2010 BB%’s 6%/5%/5% and Ct%’s 93%/93%/90%, which has been working for him for years, lifetime .304 BA in 5,694 AB. He may not help your much in the power department, but he is consistently and good contributor in the BA and runs scored categories.
Dontrelle Willis: The D’Backs acquired Willis from the Tigers and he will be inserted in the starting rotation. In 43.1 innings this year, Willis is showing no signs of regaining his control, 6.0 BB/9, and a return to NL won’t fix that problem. He is only 28 years of age, but you have to go back to 2006 to find the last time he had any success in the major leagues, 12-12 with a 3.87 ERA. The further we get away from that year without his control showing any signs of improving, the less likely it becomes that Willis will ever be a useful fantasy player again.
Mark Reynolds: Reynolds was out of the D’Backs starting lineup last night and is day-to-day with a tweaked quad. He makes up for swinging and missing so much, 2009/2010 Ct%’s 61%/60%, by generating awesome power, 2009/2010 AB’s 578/182, HR’s 44/12, and Doubles’ 30/10. That amount of power and a relatively normal FB%, will allow him to hit for a decent average, 2009 FB% of 47% and BA of .260. However, when his FB% hits ridiculous levels, 61% FB% this year, even his power cannot prevent a low BA, .225 in 2010. Fly balls obviously are needed for HR, but also have the least chance of falling for a hit, so Reynolds will continue to be a batting average liability unless he hits more ground balls and line drives.
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