Geovany Soto: Soto was placed on the 15-day DL with a mild shoulder sprain and should return when eligible on August 22nd. After an injury riddled, disappointing 2009 season, 11/47/.218 with 19 doubles in 331 AB, it has been a nice comeback season for Soto, 15/45/.288 with 16 doubles in 264 AB, as he is displaying the big power from his breakout 2008 season, 23/86/.285 with 35 doubles in 494 AB. Add in an improving walk rate and acceptable contact, 2008/2009/2010 BB%’s 11%/13%/16% and Ct%’s 75%/77%/76%, and you have one of the top power hitting catchers in the game who also will help your team BA.
Nelson Figueroa: The Astros will give Figueroa a start on Saturday against the Pirates. Based on his skills over the past two seasons, 2009/2010 K/9’s 7.6/6.8 and BB/9’s 3.1/2.1, he certainly deserves the shot. If you are desperate for SP in NL-only leagues, Figueroa is not a bad gamble, especially facing the Pirates in his first start.
Homer Bailey: The rumor is that the Reds are going to move the struggling Mike Leake to the bullpen and recall Bailey to fill the spot in the rotation. He has looked good in 3 Triple-A starts, 5 ER and a 15/4 K/BB in 18 innings. Although he has struggled at the big league level this year, 5.51 ERA in 50.2 innings, his skills have been ok, 7.3 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, and a 39% GB%. If he could curb the walks and get a little better luck, 65% S% and a .301 BHIP%, he would be worth using in mixed formats.
Aaron Harang: Harang, who has been out since late June with a back injury, is hoping to be back with the Reds by the end of the month. Although his command has been good, it has been a rough three years for Harang, 2008/2009/2010 K/9’s 7.5/7.9/6.7, BB/9’s 2.4/2.4/2.5, and ERA’s 4.78/4.21/5.02. Part of the problem has been some bad luck, 2008/2009/2010 BHIP’s .306/.328/.319, but Harang has also had some issues with gopheritis, 74 HR allowed in 447 IP. Given his tiny home park, Harang is a risky proposition, but if healthy, you may want to keep him active for games pitched in the larger NL parks.
Shane Victorino: Victorino, who has been out with abdominal strain, could be back with the Phillies as early as this weekend. He has a nice blend of outstanding speed, 20 steals in 23 attempts, a good approach at the plate, 2009/2010 BB%’s 9%/7% and Ct%’s 88%/86%, and league average power, 15 HR and 15 doubles in 404 AB. With a 44% GB% and an inflated HR/FB%, 2008/2009/2010 #’s 8%/6%/11%, expect more doubles and less HR’s the rest of the way, but with a depressed .203 BHIP% look for some big BA upside from his current .250 number.
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