Wade Davis: The 24-year-old Davis is healthy again and back in Rays’ rotation. Despite shaky skills, 5.8 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, and a 40% GB%, and having a better option in Jeremy Hellickson, the Rays seem determined to stick with Davis as a starter. Playing for a contending team, he offers a good chance for wins, 10-9 for the year, but also could damage your team ERA, 4.41 ERA even with a 74% S% and a .226 BHIP%.
Gregor Blanco: Inserted into the Royals lineup on an every day basis, Blanco is producing, 1/7/.272 with 9 steals in 136 AB. He won’t provide any power, just 4 doubles to go with the 1 HR, and although he can take a walk, 10% BB%, he will need to make better contact, 79% Ct%, for sustained success. The lack of contact was his undoing in previous trials with the Braves, 2008/2009 Ct%’s 77%/79% and BA’s .251/.186, and he is already 26 years of age, so don’t count on it improving, but if it did, he would be an excellent source for steals.
Billy Butler: It has been a mixed bag for Butler this season, as his power has taken a step back, 2009/2010 AB’s 608/471, HR’s 21/11, doubles’51/36, at a time when it should be growing for the 24-year-old, but his contact skills have improved, 2009/2010 Ct%’s 83%/87%, which is helping him to a .308 BA. There is a lot to like here, but it would be more if he could get his power back on a growth trend next year.
Nick Swisher: Swisher, who missed Wednesday’s game with a minor knee injury, should be back in the lineup tonight. The 29-year-old is in the middle of a big power season, 22 HR and 28 doubles in 460 AB, and unlike previous seasons, he is not hurting you in the BA category, .291 BA for the year. However, his Ct% is only slightly improved, 2009/2010 Ct%’s 75%/76%, and the amount of fly balls hit, remember fly balls are great for power, but also have the least chance of being a hit, has remained steady, 2008/2009/2010 FB%’s 45%/46%/46%. Obviously Swisher is benefitting from some good fortune, .275 BHIP%, which seems even more inflated than normal when you consider his historical BHIP%, 2007/2008/2009 BHIP%’s .235/.199/.189. Don’t be surprised if Swisher goes into a deep “slump” in the month of September.
Chris Tillman: It looks like the Orioles will promote Tillman over Zach Britten in September to work in their starting rotation. He doesn’t have much left to prove in Triple-A, 10-7, 3.29 ERA, 7.2 K/9, and a 2.3 BB/9, but has struggled with Orioles earlier this year, 1-4 with a 7.92 ERA, with poor skills, 4.7 K/9 and a 4.3 BB/9. At just 22 years of age, he will gain valuable experience with the Orioles in September, but he shouldn’t be on a fantasy roster.
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